Redmore Environmental was commissioned to undertake an Air Quality Assessment using dispersion modelling in support of an embedded biodiesel engine generator set consisting of 46 separate units on land off Benacre Road, Ellough, Suffolk. These will act as a backup electricity generating station and operate during peak periods to supply power to the National Grid.
Biodiesel Engine Dispersion Modelling
The planning application for the scheme had been submitted and a consultation response from the Environmental Health Officer at Waveney District Council indicated concerns over the potential air quality impacts associated with emissions from the engines. We were subsequently engaged to provide an Air Quality Assessment within an agreed short timescale for delivery due to the late receipt of the consultation response and related delay to the proposals.
Dispersion modelling of emissions from the plant was undertaken using the ADMS-5 software package. This quantified ground level pollution concentrations using data on predicted release rates, operational periods, exhaust gas temperature and flow rate, building geometries and land use characteristics. Emissions from a number of other industrial facilities, including a biomass boiler and anaerobic digestion plant, were also included within the analysis to determine cumulative effects associated with all major pollution sources in the area. Impacts at both human and ecological receptors were considered due to the proximity of the site to a number of different sensitive designations.
Outcome
The results of the assessment indicated the engines would not cause significant impacts at any sensitive location in the vicinity of the site and the report was used to support the planning application for the scheme.
Embedded generator sets are specified activities under the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) which came into force in December 2018. You can read more about the MCPD here. If you are involved in the power generation market and require an Air Quality Assessment in support a planning or Environmental Permit application, get in touch today and find out how Redmore Environmental can help deliver your project.