Redmore Environmental was commissioned to undertake an Odour Assessment in support of an Environmental Permit Application for a pet food manufacturing facility operated by Pets Choice at Lower Philips Road, Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Blackburn.
It was proposed to install a new processing line at the plant to manufacture wet pet food. The operation of the plant may result in odour emissions from a number of activities. An Odour Assessment was therefore required to analyse potential impacts and support the Environmental Permit Application.
Why Was an Odour Assessment in Support of an Environmental Permit Required?
Dry and wet pet food production involves the processing of a range of material types including raw meat, vegetables, grains, special proteins and preservatives. Manufacturing activities depend on the specific technology installed but typically involve the reception of raw materials followed by grinding, blending and cooking, before packaging is undertaken in preparation for product retail.
The nature of the raw materials and handling operations means that there is the potential for odour emissions to occur throughout the manufacturing process. These have the potential to cause disamenity at sensitive locations unless appropriate controls are employed to mitigate releases and associated effects.
Installation of the new processing line at the Pets Choice facility would result in an increase in production capacity which exceeds the qualifying threshold for Part A Installations specified in the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations (2016). As such, there was a requirement for the facility to obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency prior to installation and subsequent operation of the process.
The regulations require the control of pollution, including odour, in order to ensure adverse environmental impacts do not occur. An Odour Assessment in support of the Environmental Permit Application was therefore undertaken to evaluate the potential for adverse effects and identify the requirement for any specific control measures to mitigate emissions.
How did our Odour Consultants Support the Project?
Our experienced Odour Consultants used their specialist knowledge of pet food manufacturing operations, emission control technology and applied assessment techniques to support the Environmental Permit Application for the project.
A comprehensive programme of Odour Emissions Monitoring was carried out in order to quantify releases from existing operations and assess the effectiveness of the control systems. A Dispersion Modelling Assessment was then undertaken using ADMS 5.2 in order to quantify potential impacts associated with the existing and proposed manufacturing operations. This included consideration of the dispersion parameters for relevant emission points at the facility, as well the influence of specific variables such as local meteorology and terrain.
The findings of the assessment were compared against the relevant Environment Agency criteria in order to determine the potential for adverse odour effects at individual receptor locations. Contour plots were also produced showing pollution levels across the site and surrounding area.
In addition to the Odour Assessment, a comprehensive review of the existing emission control technology at the site was undertaken in order to determine compliance with the European Commission (EC) guidance ‘Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for the Food, Drink and Milk Industries‘ and develop an Odour Management Plan (OMP) for the facility. As part of this process, in depth consultation with Exeon Limited, an industry specialist abatement technology supplier, was undertaken in order to design an appropriate upgraded odour control system and address concerns raised by the Environment Agency during the pre-application phase of the project.
Outcomes of Odour Assessment for Environmental Permit
The Odour Assessment and OMP were submitted to the Environment Agency in support of the Environmental Permit Application for the facility. The application was duly made on 13th January 2020 and the Environmental Permit was successfully issued to Pets Choice on 22nd May 2020.
How Can We Help?
If you require an Odour Assessment in support of an Environmental Permit Application or are experiencing issues and need diagnostic assistance with an installed odour control system then please get in touch with one of our Consultants today to find out more about how we can help you.