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The Environment Agency Our Role in the Regulation of Energy from Waste Plants

The Environment Agency Our Role in the Regulation of Energy from Waste Plants. Ben Freeman Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Officer Environment Agency Hatfield 19 July 2012. Environment Agency: What we do.

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The Environment Agency Our Role in the Regulation of Energy from Waste Plants

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  1. The Environment AgencyOur Role in the Regulation of Energy from Waste Plants Ben Freeman Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Officer Environment Agency Hatfield 19 July 2012

  2. Environment Agency: What we do • We have a wide remit including flood defence, rivers and environmental regulation • We regulate most waste sites and the majority of large industrial processes, including Energy from Waste (EfW) plants • Responsible for assessing environmental permit applications for EfW plants • Responsible for the subsequent regulation of EfW plants if a permit is granted (Hatfield PPC Team)

  3. Our role as a planning consultee • A new EfW plant requires both planning permission and an environmental permit to operate, two distinct regimes • We are consulted by the planning authorities on draft spatial planning strategies and individual planning applications • Give our views on how the proposals could affect the environment • Do not comment on things like visual impacts or traffic • We do not decide where an EfW plant should go or whether or not it is needed – we comment on environmental impact of a plant in the specified location

  4. Our comments on the Preliminary Environmental Information Report • We have had a number of meetings to discuss both the planning and permitting submissions • We have no serious concerns with the proposals so far • Recommended minimising depth of waste bunker and remediating any contamination found during construction • Made recommendations regarding enhancing biodiversity and for information that should be included in final Flood Risk Assessment including details on drainage system • Measures to minimise noise will be dealt with through the Environmental Permit application

  5. Permit determination process • Assess all environmental impacts of EfW plant including ability to comply with the EU Waste Incineration Directive (WID) • Assess impact on emission to air and carry out our own air quality modelling to predict contribution of the EfW plant • Compare contribution of EfW plant to existing levels of pollution and assess overall impact • Ensure operator uses best available technology and require stricter emission standards than WID if necessary • Assessment carried out by our National Permitting Service (NPS) • As part of pre-application process we have made some comments on approach towards air quality modelling, and technology justification

  6. Permit consultation process • Consult the public on the environmental permit application once it has been duly made and invite written comments (minimum 28-day consultation period) • Advertise, make copies of application available and inform interested parties about consultation • Also consult the local Primary Care Trust, Food Standards Agency and the Health Protection Agency • Meet with interested parties (drop-in sessions) • Publicise draft permit or refusal notice along with draft decision document and invite written comments (28 days consultation)

  7. Key permit application stages and timing • Pre-application discussions with applicant • Duly make or reject application • Consult public and other key stakeholders • Require extra information from applicant if necessary • Consult public on draft decision • Issue permit or refusal notice • Process likely to take from at least 5 months • Encourage “twin-tracking” of planning and permit

  8. Our position on EfW/Incineration • Believe EfW can contribute to a balanced energy policy • Believe it is appropriate for local authorities to use EfW as long as doesn’t undermine waste re-use, recycling or composting • We require energy to be recovered as far as possible including via combined heat and power • We will not issue a permit for an EfW plant if we consider it will cause significant pollution to the environment or harm human health

  9. Regulation of permitted EfW plants • Carry out regular audits and inspections • WID specifies strict emission limits and monitoring requirements, both continuous and periodic • All monitoring results and reports placed on public register • Carry out our own check-monitoring • Respond to any permit breaches with an appropriate level of enforcement action • Have the power to suspend or revoke a permit if necessary

  10. Further information • Leaflet - please take a copy, includes contact details • Type “Environment Agency Energy from Waste” into search engine: • Our position on energy from waste • Our role in regulating energy from waste plants • Key facts and issues around energy from waste • Energy from waste and health • Energy from waste frequently asked questions • Description of waste management technologies • Energy from Waste Incineration leaflet • The Health Protection Agency's position statement on the impact on health of emissions to air from municipal waste incinerators

  11. Any questions?

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