If your company operates under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and is seeking to meet community water emission standards, you may qualify for financial support from Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse. This aid is aimed at industrial installations dealing with domestic pollution and can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for innovation projects. The scheme is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various regions, including Haute-Savoie and Alpes-Maritimes. Applications are open until December 31, 2024.
Objectives
The aid aims to support companies in minimizing their environmental impact by funding projects that reduce emissions and improve compliance with IED standards. This includes funding for preliminary studies, pollution reduction initiatives, and innovative projects that enhance environmental performance. The focus is on practical solutions that lead to significant environmental gains.
Beneficiaries
Eligible beneficiaries include companies classified under at least one section 3000 of the ICPE nomenclature, excluding livestock farming. This encompasses industrial installations subject to IED regulations that manage domestic pollution. Notably, aid for accidental pollution prevention is limited to SMEs.
Excluded: Companies in financial difficulty or those seeking to comply strictly with European emission limit values (ELVs).
Eligible operations
The following investments and operations are eligible for funding:
- Preliminary studies, measurement campaigns, and self-monitoring systems;
- Pollution reduction efforts, including:
* Source reduction,
* Prevention of accidental pollution,
* Management of hazardous industrial waste,
* Network separation,
* Implementation of purification systems,
* Rainwater pollution reduction,
* Sludge treatment;
- Innovation projects (for operators in the Rhône Mediterranean and Corsica basins), including:
* Scientific research,
* Implementation of untested technologies on real sites,
* Prototype creation for demonstration operations.
Projects not eligible include those aimed at complying with prefectural notices, new pollution sources, routine maintenance, and identical renovations.
Eligibility conditions
Key conditions for receiving aid include:
- Projects must not be aimed at strict compliance with existing emission limits;
- Companies must not be in financial difficulty as defined by EU regulations;
- Significant environmental gains must be demonstrated for renovation projects.
- Innovation projects must involve industrial operators in specified regions.
Grant amount
Funding can cover up to 40% of eligible expenses for preliminary studies, 30% for pollution reduction work (with bonuses of 10% for medium-sized and 20% for small enterprises), and up to 50% for innovation projects (with similar bonuses). The combination of these aids can significantly enhance the financial support available for your projects.
Can I combine this aid with other environmental funding?
Stacking rules depend on each scheme’s regulations. Check with Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse for specific combinations.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?
The time it takes to receive a decision on your application for the Support for IED Compliance can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your project and the completeness of your submission. Generally, you can expect a response within 3 to 6 months after submission. For a more precise estimate tailored to your specific situation, please reach out directly to Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse.
Is my company eligible if it has recently expanded its operations?
If the expansion involves new pollution sources, the project may not be eligible. Contact Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse for clarification.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
You can request a written explanation from Agence de l’Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse and improve your application for future submissions.
Are there specific regions where this aid is available?
Yes, the aid is available for companies in regions such as Haute-Savoie, Alpes-Maritimes, and several others listed in the eligibility criteria.