Medium Combustion Plant, defined within the Medium Combustion Plant Directive as plant with a rated thermal input of equal to or greater than 1 megawatt and less than 50 megawatts, as well as specified generators, now require an Environmental or PPC Permit in order to operate within the UK. Our Air Quality Consultants can assist with all aspects of the medium combustion plant permitting process. This utilses our extensive experience developed supporting a large range of energy installations.

Medium Combustion Plant Permitting

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations and the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) (Scotland) Regulations provide the regulatory framework for medium combustion plant and specified generators. We provide the following services to support the permit application process:

  • Screening Assessment of atmospheric emissions using the Environment Agency tool;
  • Air Quality Assessment or Dispersion Modelling Assessment of atmospheric emissions;
  • Input at all stages of an Environmental Permit Application, including completion of relevant forms and specialist reports;
  • Stack emissions monitoring to demonstrate compliance with Emission Limit Values stated within the Environmental or PPC Permit;
  • Production of a Medium Combustion Plant Permit Application for boiler and energy plant; and,
  • Production of a Specified Generator Permit Application for peak power generating plants.

We provide a package of services tailored to the needs of a Medium Combustion Plant Permitting project. These are adjusted for permit or planning applications as necessary.

What is the Requirement for Medium Combustion Plant Permits?

Background

Harmful pollutant emissions produced within medium combustion plants and specified generators have the potential to affect local air quality. This can lead to adverse health effects and in some situations may even affect the natural environment. The Medium Combustion Plant Directive was therefore introduced in order to provide a regulatory control on emissions, specifically the pollutants nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and particulates. The requirements of the Directive have now been transposed into UK law. Medium combustion plant and specified generators therefore need an Environmental Permit to operate in England or Wales, or a PPC Permit to operate in Scotland. Compliance with the relevant conditions is then required throughout the operational lifetime of the plant.

Primary Purpose

The permit avoids adverse environmental impacts associated with medium combustion plant or specified generator operation. In order to support an application, a Screening Assessment and/or an Air Quality Assessment with Dispersion Modelling should be undertaken by a suitably qualified Air Quality Consultant to quantify potential air quality impacts as a result of operation. A site situated within a high-risk location is much more likely to require a detailed assessment. These can include the following:

  • Areas of existing poor air quality. These include Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones; and,
  • Facilities close to important ecological designations. These include Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

If you operate a medium combustion plant, or propose to in the future, then stack emissions monitoring may also be required in order to prove compliance with Emission Limit Values stated within your permit. Our Sampling Technicians assist with this process through the implementation and co-ordination of monitoring studies within the relevant timescales.

Regulatory Experts

Redmore Environmental has proven experience of preparing and co-ordinating medium combustion plant permit applications and specified generator permit applications for a range of facilities. These projects have included:

  • Generators used to provide balancing services;
  • Combined Heat and Power plant used to provide heating and electricity for residential and/or commercial properties; and,
  • Biomass boiler installations for heat generation.

The regulatory requirements outlined above can be confusing. This is because the emission controls and permitting route are set by a range of factors, including sizing and location. It is therefore important to appoint an expert with proven experience and knowledge to ensure a successful application.

Get in touch with one of Air Quality Consultants today to find out how we can help you with your medium combustion plant permit application or specified generator permit application. Alternatively, visit our case studies to review successfully completed projects such as:

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