02/02/2005 - The Environment
Agency has revised its protocol, published
yesterday, for the burning of substitute
fuels in cement and lime kilns in England
and Wales.
The revised protocol sets out for the benefit
of Environment Agency officers, industry,
statutory consultees and the general public,
guidance on the procedures to be followed
and the considerations to be given to the
use of substitute fuels in cement and lime
manufacturing. It comes into force from
31 January 2005.
This will bring a number of environmental
benefits:
help conserve our natural resources by using
the energy from waste and saving non-renewable
fossil fuels
help with the sustainable management of
waste and contribute to the Welsh Assembly
Governments National Waste Strategy for
Wales: Wise about Waste; by reducing the
amount of waste that has to be disposed
of
reduce the overall emissions to air, primarily
oxides of nitrogen ("NOx") that
are normally produced by combustion processes
The revised protocol requires kiln operators
to:
justify the environmental benefits of the
waste streams they are seeking to substitute
for conventional fossil fuels
make information available to the public
on the substitute fuel
engage in open consultation with local
communities about proposals to burn substitute
fuel and about any significant proposed
changes to burning substitute fuel
meet revised emissions monitoring and reporting
requirements designed to reflect the materials
in the fuel being used
Director of Environment Agency Wales, Dr
Helen Phillips said:
"We have consulted extensively and
listened very carefully to what people have
had to say about substitute fuel burning
in cement and lime kilns. The revised protocol
will continue to provide effective protection
of public health and the environment. We
will ensure there are mechanisms in place
to keep local communities well-informed
about emissions and engaged with the regulatory
decision-making process where plant operators
propose substituting conventional fuels."
"Through the protocol, we can realise
the environmental benefits of reducing fossil
fuel use, cutting emissions of key air pollutants
and reducing the volume of waste which has
to be disposed of in other ways, such as
landfill."
Substitution of fossil fuels with waste
streams is a practice common across Europe
and one which is increasingly being proposed
by the cement and lime manufacturing industry
in the UK.
We will continue to support the Welsh Assembly
Governments National Waste Strategy for
Wales: Wise about Waste, as a general guide
to selecting the best option for dealing
with waste. Cement and lime kilns, and waste
incinerators all have a role to play in
waste management. We will continue to encourage
the recovery of energy from waste and prevent
the use of cement and lime kilns for the
disposal of waste that does not provide
energy to the process.
We require the operator of a plant to consult
the local community before applying for
an environmental permit or a change to an
existing one wherever substitute fuels are
involved.
