1.The operator of an installation applying for free allocation pursuant to Articles 4(2)b and 5(2) shall draw up a monitoring methodology plan containing, in particular, a description of the installation and its sub-installations, the production processes and a detailed description of monitoring methodologies and data sources. The monitoring methodology plan shall comprise a detailed, complete and transparent documentation of all relevant data collection steps, and shall contain at least the elements laid down in Annex VI.
2.For each parameter listed in Annex IV, the operator shall select a monitoring method based on the principles laid down in Article 7 and on the methodological requirements laid down in Annex VII. Based on the risk assessment in accordance with Article 11(1) and control procedures referred to in Article 11(2), when selecting monitoring methods, the operator shall give preference to monitoring methods that give most reliable results, minimise the risk of data gaps, and are least prone to inherent risks, including control risks. The selected method shall be documented in the monitoring methodology plan.
3.Where Annex VI makes a reference to a procedure, and for the purposes of Article 12(3) of Regulation (EU) No 601/2012, the operator shall establish, document, implement and maintain such a procedure separately from the monitoring methodology plan. The operator shall make any written documentation of the procedures available to the competent authority upon request.
4.The operator shall submit the monitoring methodology plan to the competent authority for approval by the date set in Article 4(1). Member States may set an earlier time-limit for the submission of the monitoring methodology plan and may require the monitoring methodology plan to be approved by the competent authority before submission of an application for free allocation.
5.Where an operator applies for free allocation but has renounced it for a previous allocation period, the operator shall submit the monitoring methodology plan for approval not later than six months before the time-limit for submission of the application pursuant to Article 4(1).