Introduction > Develop Project Plan > Assess Feasibility > Identify and Select Finance Source/Instrument > Mitigate Risks > Secure Permits and Approvals > Seek Project Funding/Finance > Structure and Close Financing > Case Studies > Acknowledgements
Step 5: Secure Permits and Approvals
Organic waste management projects often require permits and regulatory approval for construction and operation at the site, and financial institutions may require proof of approved permits prior to closing on the financial instrument (e.g., loan, grant). Permitting and approval processes vary among local, state, and national governments, depending on factors such as project type, size, feedstock, site zoning, air quality regulations, and by-product use or disposal. The complexity and length of time to obtain permits and approvals vary greatly, but projects should plan for permitting to take 6 to 18 months. Project developers should contact the responsible permitting and approval authorities early in the project execution process to allow sufficient time to build a working relationship and submit required documentation.
Best Practice Activities for this Step
Identify necessary permits
Set up preliminary meetings with key government agencies to educate regulators about the project (especially if they are unfamiliar with the technology) and to identify all required permits. Typically, required permits include:
- Environmental and health permits to minimize impacts on air quality, water quality, and local communities.
- Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are typically required for large organic waste management projects, but developers should check with the appropriate regulatory agency to determine applicability. EIAs should incorporate an analysis of the project's climate change impact, including an estimation of its potential for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation.
- Land use or zoning permitting considers whether the facility is compatible with existing land use plans. Zoning and land use considerations can be relatively simple for biogas or composting projects co-located on existing agricultural sites and waste disposal sites. Land use considerations may be complex for areas set aside for commercial or residential projects.
- Construction, site plans, structural engineering, and/or building permits and approvals cover the design, construction, and site planning to ensure that the project is built according to proper specifications.
Develop a plan for obtaining permits
Your plan should detail all the requirements for permit application approvals and ways in which the project can meet these requirements. Implement the plan and make changes to the project’s design to meet the applicable permit requirements.
Submit the permit applications
Complete this task before developing proposals to seek funding for the construction and operation of the project.
Key Tools/Resources Related to this Step
Risk Analysis Checklist for Biogas Projects
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2023. This checklist includes a section on permitting.
Landfill Gas Project Development Handbook
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2021. Chapter 5 of this Handbook discusses landfill gas contracts and regulations.
AgSTAR Project Development Handbook – A Handbook for Developing Anaerobic Digestion/Biogas Systems on Farms in the United States
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2020. Chapter 9 of this Handbook discusses permitting requirements to construct and operate an anaerobic digestion or biogas system.