With the transfer of integrated permits, the integrated permits of 258 operators and information related to the proceeding thereof will be better available for the public.
In the first step of the project, a service of integrated permit was created, as a result of which application for integrated permit may be submitted, environmental charge declarations may be submitted by the possessors of the permit and information related to the entire proceeding of the permit may be managed. Introduction of KOTKAS simplifies the application for and proceeding of integrated permits, the monitoring and reporting related to permits and the performance of other obligations. KOTKAS also improves the maintenance, usage and availability of gathered information.
“The initial feedback from the undertakings on the information system was positive, since from now on, the submission of the application is more convenient – an application that has been entered once can be used in the future. Automatic preliminary controls and pre-filling are used, there are more instructions on how to prepare an application, and upon the arrival of a due date related to the permit, the system will send an automatic reminder to the owner of the permit. In addition, the system has been interfaced with several databases such as commercial register and Land Board map interface. All this simplifies the management related to the proceeding of the permit,” said Alar Valdmann, Chief Specialist of the Integrated Permit Bureau of the Environmental Board, introducing the positive changes related to the information system.
Via the information system, one can submit an application for integrated permit, environmental charge declarations, statistical annual reports on environmental use (reports on ambient air, water usage and waste-related activities) and self-monitoring information related to the permits. KOTKAS also simplifies the work of people processing the permits of the Environmental Board, since from now on, it is easier to manage permits and documents related thereto and monitor the performance of obligations (for example, calculation of environmental charges, annual reports and monitoring).
“In conclusion, KOTKAS helps to offer a better service which results in applications for integrated permits having more quality and a faster and more convenient proceeding and further management of applications,” said Valdmann.
Integrated permit is a means of the management of the environment directed at avoiding and controlling the pollution that is caused as a result of the activity of companies with great environmental impact. In Estonia, integrated permits are processed by the Environmental Board, applications can be submitted in the KOTKAS information system at https://kotkas.envir.ee/.
The development of the Information System for Environmental Decisions (KOTKAS) was funded by the Environmental Investment Centre. The project is related to the zero bureaucracy programme of the activity programme of the Government of the Republic.
Additional information:
Alar Valdmann
Chief Specialist of the Integrated Permit Bureau of the Environmental Board
E-mail: alar.valdmann@keskkonnaamet.ee
Phone: 472 4732
