Assessing biomass impact on air quality | 24th Jul 2009
WSP is advising UK developers that local authorities may seek some depth of information if biomass is to form part of a proposed development.
The use of biomass technology to generate energy within new developments has been increasing as a consequence of concerns over climate change and in response to policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, while biomass combustion offers significant potential environmental advantages for the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases from a development, concerns have been raised by local authorities that significant increases in the uptake of biomass could have a detrimental impact on air quality.
Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) has recently published guidance for use by local authorities to help with planning decisions where development proposals will have an impact on local air quality through the use of biomass technology.
DEFRA's recently revised guidance for the assessment of air quality also provides a new screening assessment for biomass plant in order to ascertain the potential impact on air quality. As a result Councils will increasingly be asking for more information as part of the planning application submission before approving schemes that include biomass technology. WSP can advise that this information will include:
- Boiler Details - including make; model; manufacturer; thermal capacity; efficiency; abatement equipment to reduce emissions; fuel feed system; whether it is an exempt appliance; operation and maintenance
- Boiler Stack Details - location; stack height; internal diameter; exhaust gas velocity; emissions rates; and
- Fuel Details - including origin; type delivery and storage.
WSP's response
At WSP we have a specialist team of in house air quality professionals located across the UK with extensive experience in the assessment of biomass plants and liaising with local authorities.
Our team provides information and design advice at an early stage of the development to ensure air quality impacts are reduced, in addition to the prediction of impacts using the application of advanced computer based dispersion modelling or a simpler screening assessment.
For further information, please contact us at environmentalplanning.uk@wspgroup.com