Utilization of an Information System for the Efficient Implementation of the Integrated Environmental Permit System in South Korea

Abstract

The construction and operation of information systems are valuable for the implementation of an integrated environmental permit system (IEPS). This study introduces an IEPS and examines its implementation in South Korea. Using operational cases from the IEPS, we demonstrate how the system is structured for each permit application procedure and the mechanisms by which permits are processed. In South Korea, the operation of an IEPS has made it easy to track the progress of permits and immediately notify the relevant authorities regarding permit applications and supplementary requests, thereby reducing the time required for permit reviews and amendments. Furthermore, disclosing the review results and other permit information ensures the reliability of permits. Additionally, the regular input of data, such as pollutant monitoring data from facilities and compliance with permit conditions, into the IEPS facilitates the stable management of all data related to facility permits and operations. Regulatory agencies can utilize the database within the IEPS to gain insight into facility conditions before conducting on-site inspections, ultimately reducing the time required for such inspections. Moreover, by accessing past inspection records through this system, facilities requiring more focused management can be identified, and data from the system can be used in planning future inspections.

1. Introduction

In 1996, the European Union (EU) introduced an integrated environmental management system based on the regulatory framework “Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)”, which uses an integrated approach to control the environmental impacts of industrial activities. In 2010, it transitioned into the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) framework, further strengthening the foundation of the integrated environmental management system and establishing mandatory regulations [1].

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recognized the necessity of an integrated environmental management system and recommended its adoption in 2007 [2]. Currently, integrated environmental management systems are being implemented in countries such as Russia [3].

In South Korea, the “Act on the Integrated Management of Environmental Pollution Facilities” was implemented in 2017 based on the EU’s integrated environmental management system [4]. This system has been implemented in 19 specific industries [5].

Before its enactment, companies were required to prepare relevant documents and submit them directly to the permitting authority to obtain permits for the installation and operation of tools and facilities to reduce emissions. Companies would have to visit the permitting authority to explain the content of the submitted documents and hold face-to-face meetings with the officials responsible for reviewing the documentation. This presented inconveniences not only in Korea but also in other countries implementing the permit system.

In the case of older workplaces, many have had to recreate permit-related documents because of damage or loss, as documents can deteriorate over time. Additionally, frequent changes in personnel, such as job transitions or retirements, can lead to difficulties in thoroughly understanding matters related to permits and facility operation, posing significant challenges in the preparation of integrated environmental permit documents.

Furthermore, documents submitted by companies could have omissions or require additional information, necessitating companies to address the issues pointed out by the permitting authority and resubmit the permit application documents.

The post-management agency is required to review, in advance, the initial permit documents submitted every month and the operational data submitted by workplaces. It must obtain documents from permitting authorities or workplaces. However, these documents often contain a substantial amount of data. In other words, the workplace has to prepare a large number of permit-related documents and visit the permitting agency directly.

Such scenarios stem from the absence of database management systems for documents, and most of these issues can be alleviated through the establishment of an information system.

The reference document for integrated permits, the Best Available Techniques (BATs) Reference Document (BREF), is revised every five years [6]. To prepare this document, a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of individuals responsible for workplaces in the relevant industry, along with experts, professors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), must regularly share information and discuss draft standards. However, TWG members are dispersed across different regions nationwide, and attending meetings requires them to interrupt their work and travel long distances. Owing to the considerable travel distance to a meeting venue, the time spent commuting often exceeds the actual meeting time, making this approach to meetings inefficient [7].

The TWG’s inspection and meeting for a BREF publication can also be carried out more efficiently than in the past if an information system is established.

To address these issues, the current study aims to introduce an Integrated Environmental Permit System (IEPS) and examine its implementation in South Korea [8]. The IEPS enables all stages of integrated permits to be processed online, and workplaces can track the progress of permits in real time. Moreover, when workplaces apply for integrated permits, an alert message regarding the receipt of permit application documents is sent to the responsible personnel by the permit authority [9].

This study also intends to provide insights into the operation of meetings and review methods of the BREF by the TWG through the information system. It is hoped that the introduction of South Korea’s IEPS will serve as a catalyst for recognizing the need for information system development in countries implementing management systems. The IEPS is anticipated to be actively utilized as a reference system for the establishment of information systems.

There are various advantages when processing administrative tasks, such as licensing processing, using information systems; thus, they are used in various fields. As a result of establishing and utilizing information systems to increase licensing efficiency in Korea, it was reported that administrative agencies’ production documents were reduced by 80%, consultation time was expected to decrease by more than 80%, and document storage and paper use costs were also reduced [10].

In addition, it was reported that using the information system has a variety of benefits, such as a 28–47% reduction in the construction licensing period [10,11], a 35% increase in the civil complaint handling rate [11], and the possibility of a real-time search for the status of civil complaint handling [12].

As can be seen from the results confirmed in the processing of administrative work using the information system, it is believed that efficient administrative work can be performed if the information system is used in the implementation of the integrated environment management system.

Thus, this study aims to introduce the reasons for establishing IEPS in Korea and the convenience of using the IEPS as well as encourage the establishment of information systems in countries implementing the integrated environmental permit system. So far, no study has examined the case of establishing an information system to proceed with the issuance of permits, ensuring that the workplace has fulfilled the permit conditions well after the permit is granted, and evaluating the performance of the permit system through the big data of the workplace. Therefore, we expect that Korea’s case will be of great help to many countries that implement integrated environmental management systems.

2. Materials and Methods

The model for the efficient integrated environmental management system in this study is based on the operating systems of the IEPS and the BREF in South Korea. Using operational cases from the IEPS, we demonstrate how the system is structured for each permit application procedure and the mechanisms by which permits are processed in different cases. In the IEPS, permit tasks are broadly divided into permit applications and post-management tasks. The permit application stage includes the following components: permit application; preparation and submission of permit documents; permit review, modification, and supplementation; and the integrated permit stage. The post-management stage comprises the input of record-keeping data, regular and ad hoc inspections by environmental agencies, and the preparation and submission of annual reports.

In many countries implementing integrated environmental management systems, such as the UK and Germany, there are currently no cases in which information systems are used to obtain integrated permits. Therefore, it is expected that building and operating an information system related to integrated permits with reference to South Korea’s IEPS will be beneficial for the operation of integrated environmental management systems in general. Additionally, we present the advantages of using the IEPS for each permit procedure.

Furthermore, we provide operational cases for the BREF operational system, which was developed to support the following processes: drafting the BREF, sharing of opinions among TWGs, sharing of information, managing the TWG participation history, and conducting meetings. Through the implementation of the BREF operational system for meetings, we highlight various operational benefits for different tasks, such as alleviating the inconvenience of TWG members traveling to attend meetings and facilitating online opinion sharing on BREF drafts.

Figure 1 shows the work that can be handled using the IEPS when operating the integrated environment management system in Korea; through this, the concept of deriving advantages using the IEPS is shown.

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Integrated Environmental Permit

3.1.1. Integrated Environmental Permit Procedure

The procedures for obtaining integrated environmental permits vary among different countries. In South Korea, the procedures are primarily divided into the stages of application and review, post-permit monitoring, and permit reevaluation, as shown in Figure 2 [13].

The application stage is further subdivided into the preliminary consultation and main permit application stages. Preliminary consultation occurs before the actual permit application, where workplaces apply for matters related to the installation and operation plans of emission and prevention facilities, setting emission standards for permits, and conducting emission impact assessments. A preliminary consultation also implies that there are preparations to be made before applying for the main permit, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, it also means prioritizing the application of the prepared documents to shorten the time required for the permit. Matters approved during preliminary consultations do not undergo additional reviews during the main permit stage.

During the main permit stage, both the permitting authority and specialized review agencies assist the permitting authority in reviewing the permit application documents submitted by the workplaces. If the permit application documents are incomplete, the permitting authority requests document supplementation, related information, and evidence [4]. In most cases, supplementary requests are made due to incorrectly filled-out documents, content omission, failure to provide supporting reference materials, or the need for further explanation of content that the person in charge of the permitting agency does not understand.

In the post-permit monitoring stage, processes related to the monitoring of permit conditions and contamination substances are reviewed to ensure that they are being carried out correctly. Permission is a step in which workplaces are allowed to install facilities (production facilities, pollutant emission facilities, pollutant reduction facilities), and post-permit monitoring is a step related to monitoring whether facilities approved to be installed are operating well, operating according to permit conditions, and complying with pollutant permit emission standards. This review is conducted by the environmental agency (an agency belonging to the Ministry of Environment, which is a permitting agency with several offices installed in each region) and includes regular and ad hoc inspections. Regular inspections are carried out every one to three years after the integrated permit is issued and involve investigating the proper operational status of emission facilities and prevention facilities, water and air pollution levels, and compliance with permit conditions. Ad hoc inspections are conducted in workplaces that generate complaints or experience environmental pollution accidents. In other words, regular inspections are mandatory for workplaces every one to three years, but ad hoc inspections occur when there is a problem or a possibility of occurrence of problems with the workplace’s facilities or when civil complaints occur. In addition, the monitoring agency focuses on reviewing compliance with permit conditions and ensuring adherence to permit standards. They also perform supervisory activities to minimize contamination and provide consulting services to prevent environmental pollution [4].

One of the significant differences between the IEPS and previous media-specific permit systems is in the process of permit reevaluation. This involves periodic reviews of the validity of the initial permit conditions, considering changes in a facility’s infrastructure and technology. In South Korea, permit reevaluation is scheduled every five years; however, this can be extended for up to three years, based on an evaluation of the environmental management level. That is, workplaces with excellent environmental management levels may undergo reevaluation approximately every eight years.

Table 1. IEPS key configurations and conveniences by permit procedure.

Step	Procedure	IEPS Key Features and Menus	Convenience
Before permission	Preparing for permission application	Provide permission application form (excel, etc.)	Convenient document preparation
		Provide a tool for checking errors in the contents of the application for permission	Pre-error inspection of the contents of the permit application documents reduces the possibility of request for supplementation from the permitting authority
		Emissions impact analysis program and manual
		IEPS user’s manual
		Check permit application and receipt history
Application and review of permission	Application for permission	Provide permission application menu	Convenient to check the progress, such as permission application/reception/process
		View comments from authorities menu	No need to visit a permitting authority
		Request and submit menu for supplementation of permit application documents	It is convenient to submit documents for permission application, reference materials, evidence, etc. as files
		Confirmation menu of progress after application for permission	Rewrite and submit through IEPS upon request for supplementation of permit application documents
After permission	Send permission review	Review results from the permitting authority menu	Convenient to check permission review
	Issuance of a permit	Permit issuance menu	Easy to issue permits via IEPS
	Preserving records	Submit monthly record menu	Online submission and DB of record data
		Use as a basis for establishing permit standards
		Modification and complementation menu
	Emission charge	Pollutant emission charge menu (automatic calculation)	Convenience of automatic calculation of pollutant discharge charges
	Annual report	Automatic generation of annual reports	IEPS automatically creates annual reports
		Annual report submission menu
		Identify the level of pollution emission by industry	Ease of evaluating the performance of the permit system
	Post-inspection	Check the permit implementation menu	Convenient diagnosis of excellent workplaces
		Check menu to see if authorization criteria are exceeded	Convenient to know in advance what to check in the workplace
		Check contaminant discharge concentration menu	Convenient to check whether the permit conditions are fulfilled
		Check emissions by pollutant menu
Etc.	BAT reference documents (BREFs)	BREF online review menu	Convenience of online review
		Technical working group (TWG) meeting held menu	Convenience of online meetings
		TWG opinion submission menu

shows how the IEPS system is configured, what kinds of menus are organized, and the convenience of using the IEPS. The details of each procedure are also described. Table 1 details the benefits that countries can reap if they implement the permit system by establishing an information system.

3.1.2. Completion of Submission Documents Online to Apply for an Integrated Permit

When a company wishes to apply for or amend an integrated permit, it must initially submit an application. The documents related to this procedure include the results of the environmental impact analysis, ranging from general information about the company to the impact of pollutant emissions on the surrounding environment. Additionally, plans for the installation of facilities, information on fuel and raw material usage, post-environmental management plans, details on the application of the BATs, permitted emission standards (draft), relevant legal bases, and attachments are also included.

When a company is relatively small, the application documents can be prepared relatively easily. However, in South Korea, many companies falling under integrated permits are large enterprises, based on the parameters of air or water quality Classes 1–2 (total annual air pollutant emissions exceeding 20 tons but less than 80 tons, and daily wastewater discharge exceeding 700 tons but less than 2000 tons). The amount of documentation that needs to be submitted is very high in such cases. Companies require a significant amount of time for document preparation, and because of the complexity involved in the documentation process, some companies use service providers to prepare the application documents. Integrated permit agencies typically prepare application documents over a period of approximately one year.

In South Korea, an Excel form is provided to facilitate the creation of application documents; the form serves as an integrated environmental management plan. The Excel form consists of 21 files, including information on the following elements: discharge points, measuring devices, results of the release impact analysis, permitted emission standards (draft), processes, emission facilities, pollutants in emission facilities, prevention facilities, pollutants in prevention facilities, waste, nonpoint pollution sources, fuel, raw materials and auxiliary materials, water, chemicals, energy, production planning, emission substance monitoring, equipment management plans, BAT applications, and soil and environmental monitoring plans [14].

As shown in

Table 2. Contents and completion methods of permit application documents.

Chapter	Contents	Methods
1	1.1. Overview of permit application
	1.1.1.~1.1.2.	Auto-display
	1.1.3.~1.1.4.	Direct input
	1.2. Workplace creation plan
	1.2.1.~1.2.2., 1.2.5.	Direct input
	1.2.3.~1.2.4., 1.2.6.	File upload
	1.3. Facilities
	1.3.1.	Excel form #6~7
	1.3.2.	File upload
	1.3.3., 1.3.5.	Direct input
	1.3.4.	Auto-display
2	2.1. Air
	2.1.1., 2.1.4.	Excel form #1, 3
	2.1.2.~2.1.3., 2.1.5.	File upload
	2.2. Water
	2.2.1., 2.2.3.	Excel form #1, 3
	2.2.2.	Auto-display
	2.2.4.~2.2.5.	File upload
	2.3. Emission impact analysis results
	2.3.1.~2.3.2.	Excel form #3
	2.4. Calculation of permitted emission standards
	2.4.1.~2.4.6.	Excel form #3~4
3	3.1.~3.3.	Excel form #4
4	4.1.~4.4.	Excel form #5~11
5	5.1. Mass balance
	5.1.1~5.1.3.	Excel form #5, 7, 12~18
	5.2. Material information
	5.2.1.~5.2.5.	Excel form #12~16
	5.3. Production plan
	5.3.1.	Excel form #17
6	6.1. Maintenance plan	File upload
	6.2. Monitoring plan
	6.2.1.	File upload
	6.2.2.~6.2.9.	Excel form #2, 18~19, 21
	6.3.~6.4.	File upload
7	7.1.	Excel form #20
8	8.1.~8.11.	File upload

, except for Chapters 1, 2, and 8 of the Integrated Environmental Management Plan, most submission documents can be completed without errors by uploading the 21 Excel files provided by the IEPS. The content that the site manager needs to directly input online accounts for approximately 10% of all permit application documents. The sections filled out using Excel forms constitute 52%, while the sections involving uploads of blueprints or facility plans, drawings, photos, and other such materials constitute approximately 33%. The automatically generated portion, based on the data entered during registration in the permit system, amounts to 5%.

Specifically, “content” in Table 2 is the title and subtitle of the application that must be submitted to the permitting authority when applying for an integrated permit at the workplace, and “methods” are the methods of filling out permit application documents. Among the contents to be filled out in the permit application, the “auto-display” section indicates is that there is no need for the person in charge of the workplace to fill it out. This is the basic information that is created when a person in charge of the workplace signs up to use IEPS and is automatically completed on the permit application form. The label “direct input” indicates that the person in charge of the workplace must complete it themselves. The part marked “file upload” is the part where references, evidence, drawings, etc., should be uploaded. The subtitle content marked “Excel form” is supplied with an Excel form for easily filling out the permit application documents; if one fills out the Excel form and uploads it to the IEPS, the content will be automatically filled out in the permit application. In other words, only the “direct input” content can be written by the person in charge of the workplace; the rest can be easily filled out using the IEPS.

Excel files are particularly advantageous for large-scale facilities with numerous installations and extensive quantitative data. Excel files permit error checks within each file and ensure consistency among the 21 files after they are uploaded to the IEPS. They indicate errors in rows and columns and specify the types of errors present. This is significant when using an integrated environmental management system, as it can be challenging to easily identify errors in a text-based document, particularly when errors in one area may be challenging to trace back to their sources.

Thus, when creating permit documents through the IEPS, errors and their types are systematically reported in text form, making it easy for the author to seamlessly identify errors and rectify all relevant error areas. Furthermore, it is possible to upload documents to the IEPS only if there are no errors in the 21 excel files. Therefore, it can prove highly beneficial for the creation of accurate permit documents.

3.1.3. Review of Integrated Permit Application Documents

The integrated environmental permit application documents submitted by the workplaces are reviewed by the permitting authority and an expert examination agency.

According to the regulations, the permitting authority must notify the operator of the results of the review for the installation and operation permits within 35 days of the day the operator applies for the integrated permit [15]. However, if there are errors or deficiencies in the documents submitted by workplaces or if the relevant legal basis is unclear, the permitting authority may request the operator to supplement the application documents. In such cases, the permitting authority notifies the workplace; the process of supplementing the application documents can take time.

Before the introduction of the IEPS, the permitting authority contacts workplaces by phone to explain the supplementary requirements. The workplaces supplement the documents and submit them directly to the permitting authority. Since the introduction of the integrated environmental management system in Korea, the permitting authority has notified workplaces about the need for document supplementation and prepared written notes of what needs to be supplemented. When the permitting authority requests document supplementation, the IEPS sends an SMS notification to the workplace manager, allowing them to start supplementation work quickly. Information on the supplementation requirements can also be found in the workplace manager’s profile and dashboard on the IEPS.

The integrated permit applicant then submits the permit documents, along with the relevant legal basis and other documents through the IEPS, to the permitting authority. When the supplementation documents are submitted, the IEPS sends an SMS notification to the permitting authority, and the permitting authority can confirm the receipt of the supplementation documents via its profile on the IEPS [16].

An information system of this type allows all administrative procedures (e.g., permit applications and supplementation requirements) to be conducted through the system, and information is communicated to both the workplaces and authorities through the system’s notification function, thus enabling swift administrative processing.

Table 3. Average processing time of permit application documents.

Category	Integration Permission		Change Permission		Average Permit Period (1) (Days)	Average Supplementary Period (2) (Days)
	Permit Period (Days)	Supplementary Period (Days)	Permit Period (Days)	Supplementary Period (Days)
Slaughterhouses and animal by-products Industries	16	10	13	10	29	28
Inorganic chemicals	27	27	18	15	23	22
Semi-conductors	9	8	38	42	38	33
Large combustion plants	24	20	22	10	23	16
Non-metals	11	7	17	24	12	9
Petroleum refining	56	37	10	6	33	20
Organic chemicals	31	16	16	6	32	16
Auto parts	7	16			7	16
Electronic components	39	8			34	25
Fine chemicals	17	6	45	15	22	10
Iron and steel	22	11	24	14	22	11
Waste incineration	15	10	32	20	23	16
Plastics	22	6			23	19
Average	20	13	25	14	22	15

Note. ⁽¹⁾ Average permit period: average permit period of the number of permit days per application by industry; ⁽²⁾ average revision period: average number of revision days for each application by industry.

provides data on the average processing time according to industry for permit and modified permit applications made through the IEPS in Korea. The average processing time for permits is 22 days, which is approximately 63% of the legal processing deadline. Further, the average duration for modifications and supplements is noted to be 15 days [17].

3.2. Management after Integrated Approval

3.2.1. Submitting Self-Measurement Data

Workplaces that have obtained integrated permits must monitor and maintain records of the operating status of their facilities and pollutants in accordance with the conditions specified in the permit as part of post-management. These records must be submitted to post-management authorities [18].

In Korea, self-measured records of air quality, water quality, and other parameters must be continuously compiled. The regulations also stipulate daily record-keeping for the operational status of emission facilities, pollution prevention facilities, and wastewater treatment facilities as well as the operating hours of discharge points and the usage of fuel/raw materials/energy/chemical substances. Furthermore, ongoing compliance with permit conditions, the prevention of environmental pollution accidents, and related actions must also be documented in real time.

Before the implementation of an integrated environmental management system, the monitoring data for workplaces must be retained for three years. Monitoring data provide valuable information for diagnosing and improving facility operations. However, when monitoring data are not systematically managed, their utility is compromised, and they become meaningless. Additionally, older data often become obsolete owing to the expiration of the mandatory retention period and are typically discarded by most workplaces.

When workplace monitoring data are collated in a database using an information system, they are expected to become a highly useful resource. A database of monitoring data can facilitate tasks such as the time-series analysis of pollutants and emissions, assessment of seasonal variations, examination of the correlation between fuel usage and pollutant generation, assessment of the relationship between production levels and pollutant generation, verifying compliance with permit standards, monitoring compliance with permit conditions, and identifying trends in pollutant reduction [19].

Furthermore, if monitoring data are systematically managed in a database, post-management authorities can use them more efficiently for pre-inspection preparation and follow-up inspections. This is expected to significantly reduce the time required for on-site inspections.

Post-management authorities can utilize systematically managed monitoring data through an information system to identify workplaces that require focused management, enabling the development of an annual inspection plan for each workplace. Additionally, a database of monitoring data could assist in creating checklists outlining specific elements that need to be prioritized and verified during on-site inspections.

3.2.2. Preparation and Submission of Annual Reports

Under the IEPS, permit authorities or post-management agencies verify various aspects related to a facility’s operations after permit approval. These aspects include compliance with permit conditions and emission standards, facility installation and operation, post-monitoring, maintenance, prevention of environmental pollution accidents, and follow-up measures [5].

In South Korea, the authorities collect annual reports from workplaces to assess the aspects mentioned above. Workplaces are required to prepare and submit annual reports on the operation and management of emissions and pollution prevention facilities on July 31 each year. This report is submitted through the IEPS [15].

Workplaces also maintain records, as shown in Figure 3, and submit annual reports through the IEPS. These reports are based on monthly self-monitoring records (as described in Section 3.2.1), data from the water quality remote monitoring system, and data automatically measured and transmitted from automatic measuring instruments for chimneys.

To facilitate the submission of annual reports and reduce the workload, South Korea has implemented a system in which the IEPS automatically generates annual reports. Workers are required to review reports for errors and submit them to the permitting authority. The reason for this automation is that self-monitoring data from workplaces are uploaded to the system monthly, and data from the water quality remote monitoring system and automatic measuring instruments for chimneys are stored in a database and managed electronically [18]. If an information system has not been developed, the person in charge of the workplace must manually investigate the operating and monitoring data of the facility and prepare an annual report. When this report is completed, it must be submitted via mail or directly to the permitting authority.

Therefore, an information system is expected to enhance the convenience of preparing and submitting annual reports to the workplace.

3.3. Disclosure of Information

To ensure transparency in an integrated environmental management system, it is crucial to provide open access to permitted information. Permitting authorities should disclose permit-related information transparently and make documents accessible to the relevant parties [20]. Through information disclosure, permitting authorities can gain trust in their permit review processes, and workplaces can develop confidence in permitting authorities.

In South Korea, regulations require the disclosure of information, such as the content reviewed by specialized review agencies for pre-discussion applications, pre-discussion review results, permit or permit change applications and decisions, and annual reports [15]. Permitting authorities are obligated to notify, in writing, the intended recipients of the information that has been decided upon for public disclosure, following the deliberation and resolution of the Integrated Environmental Management Information Disclosure Review Committee. Permitting authorities are also required to publish relevant documents on the IEPS or Ministry of Environment website 30 days after notifying them of the information disclosure plan [18].

However, in cases where the disclosure of certain information is expected to significantly impede national security, public order, or public welfare, or when it relates to a company’s trade secrets, authorities may decide not to disclose specific information. The decision to disclose information is reviewed by the Integrated Environmental Management Information Disclosure Review Committee. In particular, industries operating in the domains of power generation, semiconductors, and chemicals are considered national infrastructure industries. Therefore, workplaces in these sectors may require protection against information disclosure, which could weaken their competitiveness.

The process of disclosing permit-related information involves complex procedures such as deliberation on disclosure, notification of disclosure decisions, filing objections, deliberation on objections, and notification of objection results. The presence of an information system can simplify these processes and make them more efficient.

3.4. Utilization of Big Data Collected in Information Systems

3.4.1. Integrated Environmental Management System: Performance Analysis and Setting Policy Directions

When establishing an information system for the operation of an integrated environmental management system, various permit-related and monitoring data can be collected from the workplace. This includes information such as the current status of the facility, operation and management data for pollutant emissions and prevention facilities, and fuel and raw material usage, all of which are compiled when applying for an integrated permit.

After obtaining a permit, workplaces are required to periodically monitor compliance with permit conditions, fuel and raw material usage, facility operation and management data, and pollutant emissions and to upload the results to the information system. Consequently, information systems regularly accumulate data on facility operations and pollutant monitoring in the workplace.

The data collected in the information system allow for the assessment of pollutant emissions and improvements in environmental quality. As shown in Figure 4, it is possible to understand the differences in pollutant emission levels among workplaces in the same industry, identify industries with higher or lower pollutant emissions, and assess whether environmental quality has improved compared to the past.

By analyzing the big data of workplaces collected in the IEPS, it is possible to effectively establish a diagnosis and dust reduction measures for each workplace by identifying why annual dust emissions vary by workplace in the same industry and why the workplace that emits the most dust and the workplace that emits the least dust differ as much as they do; panel (a) of Figure 4 provides more details.

In addition, by analyzing big data from the workplace, it is possible to diagnose why dust emissions vary in different industries and why dust emissions vary greatly year to year, as shown in panel (b) of Figure 4. Eventually, big data from workplaces collected in the IEPS can be used to determine the kinds of policies that need to be implemented and the industries that need to be managed intensively to reduce dust emissions.

Therefore, permit authorities should analyze data collected from workplaces, per facility and per industry, using the information system to evaluate the outcomes of the implementation of the integrated environmental management system. The permitting authorities must determine whether pollutant emissions have decreased and whether environmental quality has improved compared to the period before the implementation of the integrated environmental management system. If such issues are identified, they should be addressed to enhance the system.

Utilizing the data collected in the information system in this manner allows for an analysis of the performance of the integrated environmental management system following its implementation as well as the formulation of improvement strategies. This plays a significant role in setting policy directions based on system effectiveness.

3.4.2. Setting the BAT-AEL Using Workplace Monitoring Data

An integrated environmental management system mandates that emission standards be set below maximum emission standards [21]. Maximum emission standards represent the highest permissible levels of pollutants that can be emitted when optimal available techniques are applied to emission facilities. To establish these maximum emission standards, a classification system for emission facilities is employed, considering factors such as processes, facility age, and variations in strengthened permit standards. This classification system is used to derive the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL). Finally, these emission levels are determined through discussions within the TWG regarding the optimal available techniques [22].

In essence, permit emission standards are determined based on the emission levels associated with optimal available techniques. These levels are calculated using various data collected by workplaces after obtaining permits. Monitoring data collected during the past three years by workplaces are used for determining the emission levels. For air pollutants, data from the telemonitoring system (TMS) or Stack Emission Management System (SEMS) are employed. TMS provides real-time measurements of air pollutants emitted from stacks using automated monitoring devices, and it calculates 30 min averages [23]. The SEMS systematically manages information on emission sources and collects and manages fundamental data, including facility operational status and workplace information, to ensure data reliability. Workplaces input measurement results for each air pollutant based on the legal analysis frequency into the SEMS system.

For water pollutants, data from a water telemonitoring system (WTMS) or self-measured data from workplaces are used. The WTMS continuously monitors the discharge of water pollutants from sewage, wastewater treatment facilities, and wastewater discharge workplaces in real time to prevent water pollution. Workplaces input measurement results for each water pollutant according to legal analysis frequencies. In cases where WTMS is not established or cannot measure certain pollutants, workplaces measure water pollutants according to legal analysis frequencies.

All values from the TMS, WTMS, SEMS, and self-measured data used to establish emission levels linked to optimal available techniques must be recorded and preserved according to the Record Preservation Notice [24] and are entered into the IEPS. Therefore, as depicted in Figure 5, the pollutant monitoring data recorded and preserved in the IEPS can be used to set emission levels linked to the optimal available techniques.

3.4.3. BAT Application Rate Assessment

The BREF should be periodically reviewed and, if necessary, revised and updated considering the industry’s development and technological advancements. In South Korea, the act on the integrated control of pollutant-discharging facilities also mandates that the BREF be revised every five years [15].

The content of the BREF, including the BATs, can change as technology advances. Workplaces are required to regularly assess whether they should continue using the existing a BAT or apply a new BAT, considering factors such as enhanced environmental standards, improved efficiency of facilities that reduce emission, technological advancements, and cost savings.

Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor whether workplaces use the existing BAT or adopt a new BAT that has not been previously investigated. This information should be considered and reflected upon when revising the BREF.

The data collected by the information system can be used to assess the application status of the BAT. In South Korea, workplaces are required to input monthly data on the operational status of preventive facilities into the IEPS after receiving integrated environmental permits. In addition, the environmental agency conducts inspections at the facilities during site visits to verify the on-site application of BATs.

As shown in

Table 4. BAT application rate extracted from the IEPS.

Industry Sector	Number of BATs	BAT Application Rate (%)
Slaughterhouses and animal by-product industries	156	44.2
Inorganic chemicals	128	16.3
Semi-conductors	174	36.8
Large combustion plants	243	18.7
Petroleum refining	135	26.3
Waste incineration	136	59.6
Electronic components	186	17.2
Fertilizers and nitrogen compounds	149	24.5
Fine chemicals	293	25.7
Non-metals	401	12.5
Organic chemicals	557	14.4
Plastics	182	22.8
Auto parts	138	28.3
Iron and steel	285	13.2

, the assessment of a BAT application by industry shows that BATs are generally used by workplaces. Consequently, these BATs can be applied in the BREF during revisions. However, if the application rate of a particular BAT is marked “O”, it implies that most workplaces are not currently using it, and there is a possibility that it has been replaced by new technologies. In such cases, it may be necessary to exclude such BATs when revising the BREF.

Therefore, through the operation of an information system, the BAT application status of workplaces can be easily assessed, and the identification of newly applied preventive measures becomes possible. This facilitates timely refinements of the BAT in the BREF during revisions to ensure that it remains up to date with the latest technological advancements.

3.5. Operation and Preparation of the BREF by the TWG

To publish the BREF, it is necessary to have ongoing information sharing and meetings with the TWG, which is composed of experts from industry, professors, and personnel responsible for their respective workplaces [5].

Typically, TWG meetings are held at locations that are easily accessible by public transportation. However, TWG members work throughout the country, requiring them to take workplace trips to attend the meetings. These meetings usually take 2–3 h, and the time spent traveling from workplaces to meeting venues can range from 1 h to 4–5 h in the case of distant locations. This means that the time spent traveling to attend meetings often exceeds the time spent attending the meeting.

Additionally, the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019 made it challenging for TWG members and others to travel to meeting venues, resulting in many instances where TWG meetings were difficult to organize.

In light of these inefficiencies and potential health-related issues arising from TWG operations, it is worth considering the implementation of an information system as an alternative solution. As shown in Figure 6, the BAT Reference Operation System (BREFOS) was developed in South Korea and used to support the operation of TWGs (organizing meetings, facilitating information exchange, and gathering opinions on draft BREFs) and the preparation of BREFs [25].

Using BREFOS to host meetings, TWG members can attend meetings without having to travel. TWG members can access BREFOS at their workplaces, review meeting agendas, and provide opinions online. Furthermore, online meetings can be conducted in real time via video conferencing, but they are typically held over a span of 2–3 days to accommodate TWG members’ busy work schedules, allowing them to connect conveniently.

Through BREFOS, workplaces can upload the materials and references required for the preparation of BREFs and share information among TWG members. The BAT Secretariat collects and utilizes the information provided by TWG members to develop the BREF.

In addition, the BAT Secretariat uses BREFOS to collect opinions from TWG members, which is especially important for the most time-consuming work of drafting the BREF. TWG members can review draft BREFs uploaded to BREFOS and provide feedback at their convenience, without having these responsibilities affect their daily duties.

The final version of the BREF is prepared following multiple iterations, incorporating feedback and comments from TWG members [14]. When TWG members gather physically at one location to review the BREF, it often results in time constraints and insufficient reviews. However, BREFOS allows for sufficient review time, leading to a more substantive BREF. Furthermore, the system helps alleviate the burden of travel for TWG members.

3.6. Stable Management of Permit-Related Data and Response to Work Gaps

Operating an integrated environmental management system using an information system offers several advantages, as mentioned above; it also assists in securely managing workplace permit-related data, maintaining a history of change permits, and supporting responsible personnel in adapting to related changes.

Various documents and workplace data must be submitted to obtain integrated environmental permits. However, when a workplace has been established for a long time, the relevant documents are often damaged, lost, or misplaced. Similar situations have occurred in South Korea, leading to instances where relevant documents need to be recreated. However, recreating such documents is not a straightforward task, especially because the personnel in charge at the time might have already retired, making it difficult to find someone with detailed knowledge.

After permits are obtained, various changes in facilities and operations may occur, leading to frequent applications for change permits. These changes must be meticulously recorded and managed on their respective dates. If changes are not meticulously documented, it becomes challenging to identify the alterations that have occurred within the facility.

In addition, the personnel responsible for these tasks can change frequently because of job reassignment, transfers, or retirement. In such cases, new personnel must quickly familiarize themselves with the situation and their responsibilities. However, even if outgoing personnel provide guidance, they may not remember every detail and may not have all the relevant documents. Consequently, temporary disruptions in operations may occur because of the knowledge transfer process.

In South Korea, the IEPS comprehensively manages all permit-related documents, reference materials, and permit histories. Therefore, even after a long time has passed, documents related to workplaces are securely digitized and maintained in a database. Detailed records of permit and permit-change histories are also provided. Consequently, new personnel can easily access the IEPS to review permit-related matters and documents and minimize operational disruptions.

In summary, by utilizing an information system for an integrated environmental management system, workplaces can benefit from the secure management of permit-related data, maintain a systematic history of change permits, and support the responsible personnel‘s adaptability to related changes.

4. Conclusions

This study introduces the IEPS, which plays a crucial role in various operational processes in South Korea’s permit system, and presents cases illustrating the necessity of its implementation. Based on our results, significant advantages are anticipated when implementing the IEPS.

If an information system is established and operated in an integrated environmental permit system, as in Korea, the following effects can be expected.

(1)

Using the information system, it is expected that the permission request application and annual report can be prepared easily, thereby shortening the preparation time for the permission request application at the workplace and reducing the burden on the person in charge.

(2)

Workplaces are expected to be helped in their work by being able to easily check the processing status of permit requests they applied for in the information system.

(3)

By using the information system, the permitting authority can receive an alarm that a permit request application has been uploaded; if the application documents need to be supplemented, a request can be sent for the workplace to supplement them online. In addition, the review results of the permit request application are also uploaded to the information system, making it easy for the workplace to check.

(4)

By periodically monitoring whether the post-management of workplace facilities is properly conducted after granting permission and uploading the results to the information system, the management agency can easily determine whether the workplace facilities are operating properly.

(5)

It is expected that big data related to the workplace accumulated in the information system can be used to set permission criteria, achieve performance evaluation, and effective policy establishment for the management of pollutants.

(6)

The use of information systems makes it easier and more efficient to operate the TWG and prepare the BREFs.

It is expected that countries operating the integrated environmental management system will be very interested in the use of information systems in the future, and this study can be used as a reference for designing information systems.