The Agency has commissioned three related projects. The first project will measure gas engine emissions, review and propose appropriate standards, and develop technical guidance and training material. The second project will investigate the impact of landfill gas flares, and develop a similar monitoring protocol and guidance document for the measurement of emissions from enclosed flares. The last project will evaluate the feasibility, costs and environmental benefits of implementing gas clean-up technologies to treat landfill gas prior to combustion, to achieve better quality emissions.
A spokesman for the Agency said: “All three projects will be used to inform and guide regulators and the landfill industry, on plant management and operation to achieve lower emissions, and the appropriate methodologies for monitoring these emissions.
“They will all produce technical guidance on these topics, which will be subject to consultation in the future, to ensure both regulators and operators can effectively manage and implement any future emission standards.”
The Biogas Association project is being undertaken by Land Quality Management Ltd. It will review existing standards and measure emissions from landfill gas engines (and flares for comparative purposes) to establish the baseline environmental performance of utilisation plant.
The project will aid the future development of a protocol to monitor gas engine emissions, and aims to assess the impacts and benefits of gas utilisation compared to uncontrolled emissions and flaring. This work is funded through Landfill Tax Credits from Biffa, Shanks and Viridor, with support funding from the three major landfill gas engine manufacturers as well as many utilisation plant operators.
Although distinct in their remits and outcomes, the projects will share data, concepts and approaches. The projects are a prime example of the Agency and industry combining resources to positively tackle environmental issues. Along with the impending implementation of the EU Landfill Directive, the Agency is moving towards emissions-based regulation for landfill gas, and all four projects will greatly advance the knowledge base upon which technical guidance may be produced.
Register for free to comment