How to Get a Permit to Operate From the DENR

A Permit to Operate (PTO) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines is a regulatory requirement for businesses that use equipment emitting air pollutants. This permit is mandated under Republic Act 8749, or The Clean Air Act of 1999, to ensure that emissions are within the standards set by the law to protect public health and the environment.

Who Needs a Permit to Operate?

Businesses that operate equipment causing air pollution are required to secure a PTO. Common examples of such equipment include:

• Internal Combustion Engines: Generators and gas turbines that convert heat capacity into mechanical and electrical energy.
• External Combustion Engines: This category includes boilers and furnaces in steel mills, which are vessels that heat fluids to generate steam.
• Cement Kilns and Other Sources: This category captures various technologies, such as waste-to-energy processes and pyrolysis units, in addition to cement kilns.

All sources of air pollution that fall under the implementing rules and regulations of DENR Administrative Order 2000-81 must have a valid PTO.

Steps to Obtain a Permit to Operate

1. Prepare Required Documents:
   1. Business registration details
   2. Environmental Compliance Certificate
   3. Emission test results
   4. Company profile
   5. Other supporting documents, as specified by the DENR
2. Complete Application Form:
   • Fill out the DENR-provided application form thoroughly.
3. Submit Application:
   • Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the designated DENR office or through the online portal.
4. Payment of Fees:
   • Pay the necessary application processing fees, which vary based on the business’s nature and scale.
5. Evaluation and Inspection:
   • DENR will evaluate the application and conduct inspections to verify compliance with the air pollution control measures.
6. Approval and Issuance:
   • If the application meets all requirements and standards, DENR will issue the PTO.

Processing Time

The processing time can vary from several weeks to a few months, depending on document completeness, business operation complexity, and the specific DENR office’s workload.

Fines and Penalties

Operating without a valid PTO can lead to substantial fines and legal penalties. These are calculated based on the severity and duration of the non-compliance. The exact fines and penalties can vary, but all are designed to enforce compliance rigorously.

Do You Need a Permit to Operate?

If your business uses any equipment that emits air pollutants, you will likely need a DENR Permit to Operate. Ensuring compliance avoids legal troubles and contributes to a healthier environment. Unsure about the specific requirements or need help navigating the application process? Contact us.

Schedule a free initial consultation to find out how we can assist you with your PTO application. Please get in touch with us using any of the following channels:

• Contact Us Here
• Fill out the form below
• Call us at: +63 (02) 8540-9623
• Send an email to: info@tripleiconsulting.com