The effects of ammonia emissions from composting facilities near designated habitat sites (SSSIs and European sites)
A recent report prepared for the Dorset planning authority has highlighted an issue which exists for composting plant; in this case where these plants are proposed which would be located in low soil nutrient heathland areas. This is not an issue which has received high profile consideration in the composting industry to date, so we asked Dr Mark Broomfield, an Enviros IPPC and emissions expert to explain.
The Air Quality Challenge for Composting Plants
No plan or project should harm the integrity of a European designated habitat site, except where there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. An exceedance of a critical load value is interpreted by English Nature and the Environment Agency as harming the integrity of a designated site.
These constraints are beginning to make their presence felt in the planning and permitting process. Planning permission and IPPC permits have been refused for poultry facilities, on the basis of the risk of harm to designated habitat sites arising from ammonia emissions.
The ENDS Report recently reported a study highlighting the potential harm that could be caused to designated habitat sites (SSSIs and European sites) by proposed composting facilities in Dorset. (See more here...)
This study used information on ammonia emissions from a study carried out by Enviros for Defra (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste), and draws attention to the particular problems likely to be faced by open windrow composting facilities, at which effective abatement is likely to be unrealistic.
Operators of existing and proposed composting facilities need to be aware of the potential risks to their business posed by emissions of ammonia. Enviros has been studying these issues, alongside carrying out human health risk assessments for composting facilities.
It is important that when advice is sought the extent and nature of any impact is assessed by experts.
We are able to work with the limitations of data on ammonia emissions from composting facilities, and also to identify the impacts of ammonia on sensitive habitat sites.
Our aim is to secure the benefits of new and existing composting facilities which are highlighted both in our research for Defra and in the Dorset study, while ensuring that proper attention is paid to protecting valuable and irreplaceable natural habitats.
For further information on our services and expertise in this area, please contact Dr Mark Broomfield on 01743 284812, or by email on mark.broomfield@enviros.com
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