Installations Classées pour la Protection de l'Environnement

Legislation for classified installations is found in Title I of book V of the code of the Environment (Article L. 511-1), resulting from law No. 76-663 of July 19, 1976 relating to classified installations for the protection of the environment (ICPE).

Classified installation legislation enables the State to monitor any installations which present danger or disadvantage to the environment, the term taken in its broadest meaning.

Classified installations are defined as any deposit, building site or generally any installation exploited or held by an idividual person, public or private company which can present danger or disadvantage to:

• the convenience of the vicinity,
• Public health and safety,
• agriculture,
• the protection of nature and environnement,
• the conservation of historic sites and monuments

The activities concerned are defined by a nomenclature which classifies them under the type of declaration, recording or authorisation according to the gravity of the dangers or disadvantages which they can present.

Facilities which present serious danger or drawbacks for the interests mentioned above, when these dangers and disadvantages can, in principle, given the characteristics of the facility and its potential impact, be prevented by compliance with certain general requirements set out by the Minister responsible for classified facilities.