SR2021 No 5: composting in open and closed systems – waste recovery operation
Updated 17 May 2022
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2022
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The Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016 – Chapter 4 Standard rules.
SR2021 No 5 incorporates SR2010 No 14 and SR2011 No 1.
This standard rules permit is for a facility:
- with a treatment capacity of no more than 75 tonnes each day
- accepting no more than 500 tonnes on site at any time
Introductory note
This introductory note does not form part of these standard rules.
The total quantity of waste the facility can store, physically treat and compost must not exceed 500 tonnes at any one time.
The facility’s capacity to biological treat waste must be:
- less than 75 tonnes each day with no more than 10 tonnes each day of animal waste
- no more than 5,000 tonnes each year
These rules allow the operator to accept, store, physically treat and compost specified biodegradable wastes in an open or a closed (in-vessel) composting system.
The types of waste the operator can accept and the operating techniques they can use depends on whether they are using an open or a closed composting system.
The operator must handle and treat any wastes controlled by the Animal By-Products Regulations (ABPR) in accordance with any requirements imposed by those regulations.
The operator shall not accept any hazardous wastes.
These rules do not allow the operator to burn any wastes, either in the open, inside buildings or in any form of incinerator.
The activities shall not be carried out within:
- 250 metres of the nearest sensitive receptor
- 500 metres of a European site (within the meaning of Regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017) or a Site of Special Scientific Interest, including candidate or proposed sites or Marine Conservation Zone
- a groundwater source protection zone 1 or 2 or if a groundwater source protection zone has not been defined then 250 metres of any well, spring or borehole used for the supply of water for human consumption (including any private water supplies)
- 250 metres of the presence of great crested newts, where it is linked to the breeding ponds of the newts by good habitat
- 10 metres of any watercourse
- 50 metres of a Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient Woodland or Scheduled Monuments
- 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats of principle importance (as listed in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity
These rules do not apply to facilities with more than one operator.
End of introductory note.
Rules.
1. Management
1.1 General management
1.1.1 The operator shall manage and operate the following activities:
(a) in accordance with a written management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, so far as is reasonably practicable, including those risks arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints
(b) using sufficient competent persons and resources
1.1.2 Records demonstrating compliance with rule 1.1.1 shall be maintained.
1.1.3 Any person having duties that are or may be affected by the matters set out in these standard rules shall have convenient access to a copy of the permit. It must be kept at or near the place where those duties are carried out.
1.1.4 The operator shall comply with the requirements of an approved competence scheme.
1.2 Avoidance, recovery and disposal of wastes produced by the activities
1.2.1 The operator shall take appropriate measures to ensure all of the following, that:
(a) the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) is applied to the generation of waste by the activities
(b) any waste generated by the activities is treated in accordance with the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the WFD
(c) where disposal is necessary, this is undertaken in a manner which minimises its impact on the environment
1.2.2 The operator shall review and record at least every 4 years whether changes to those measures should be made and take any further appropriate measures identified by a review.
2. Operations
2.1 Permitted activities
2.1.1 The operator is only authorised to carry out the activities in rule 2.1.
2.1.2 The activities shall be undertaken in accordance with appropriate measures.
2.1.3 All process plant and equipment shall be commissioned, operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and shall be fully documented and recorded.
Activity 1 – biological treatment of waste by composting
Activity 1 is the recovery or a mix of recovery and disposal of non-hazardous waste less than 75 tonnes a day and no more than 5,000 tonnes each year.
Under WFD Annex II operations activity 1 is R3 – recycling and reclaiming organic substances which are not used as solvents.
The activity is limited to:
(a) treatment of waste by composting
(b) sanitisation, stabilisation and maturation
(c) no more than 10 tonnes each day of animal waste for enclosed and abated engineered systems
The following activities are directly associated activities and are included as part of ‘the activities.’
Activity 2 – physical treatment of waste
Under WFD Annex II operations, activity 2 is R3 – recycling and reclaiming organic substances which are not used as solvents.
The activity is limited to:
(a) physical treatment of waste restricted to storage, sorting, shredding, blending and screening
(b) managing storage of feedstock prior to windrow formation to prevent anaerobic conditions
(c) using negative aeration systems for open systems where the air extracted is treated by an abatement system
(d) treating extracted air from enclosed storage and treatment areas
(e) the total quantities of waste in storage, undergoing treatment and composting, not exceeding 500 tonnes at any one time
Activity 3 – storage
Under WFD Annex II operations, activity 3 is R13 – storage of wastes pending any of the operations numbered R1 to R12. Excludes temporary storage, pending collection, on the site where it is produced.
This activity is limited to secure storage of:
(a) compatible waste before composting (feedstock) in the open or in an enclosed building
(b) ABPR wastes or catering wastes in an enclosed building or approved storage for no longer than 48 hours before treatment
(c) liquid waste consisting of dirty water or liquor (or both) in purpose-built lagoons or tanks
(d) finished compost (including finished screened material waiting for dispatch) and non-composted fraction
(e) quarantined waste in covered skips or covered piles for no longer than 5 days
2.2 The site
2.2.1 The activities shall not extend beyond the site, being the land shown edged in green on the site plan attached to the permit.
2.2.2 The activities shall not be carried out within:
(a) 250 metres of the nearest sensitive receptor
(b) 500 metres of a European site (within the meaning of Regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017) or a Site of Special Scientific Interest, including candidate or proposed sites or Marine Conservation Zone
(c) a groundwater source protection zone 1 or 2 or if or a groundwater source protection zone has not been defined then 250 metres of any well, spring or borehole used for the supply of water for human consumption (including any private water supplies)
(d) 250 metres of the presence of great crested newts, where it is linked to the breeding ponds of the newts by good habitat
(e) 10 metres of any watercourse
(f) 50 metres of a Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient Woodland or Scheduled Monuments
(g) 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats of principle importance (as listed in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity
2.3 Waste acceptance
2.3.1 Waste shall only be accepted if all of the following apply:
(a) it is of a type in ‘List A – waste codes and descriptions for open or closed systems’, or it is of a type in ‘List B – waste codes and descriptions for closed systems only’
(b) it conforms to the description in the documentation supplied by the producer and holder
(c) the waste is biodegradable
(d) the facility has sufficient waste capacity to store and treat the waste
2.3.2 Records demonstrating compliance with rules 2.3.1 shall be maintained.
Waste quantities
The total quantity of waste in storage, undergoing treatment and composting shall not exceed 500 tonnes at any one time.
The facility’s capacity to biological treat waste must be less than 75 tonnes each day.
The facility shall accept no more than 5,000 tonnes each year.
Excluded waste types – open systems
Wastes having any of the following characteristics shall not be accepted in open systems:
- catering waste and other wastes containing animal by-products covered by the Animal By-Products Regulations (except waste code 02 01 06)
- wastes in liquid form
Wastes having any of the following characteristics shall not be accepted in open or closed systems:
- biodegradable waste that is significantly contaminated with non-compostable contaminants, in particular plastic and litter shall be no more than 1% w/w and shall be as low as reasonably practicable by 31 December 2025
- wastes consisting solely or mainly of dusts (except sawdust), powders or loose fibres
- hazardous wastes
- wastes that are in liquid form
- wastes containing treated wood or post-consumer wood
- wastes containing wood-preserving agents or other biocides
- wastes containing persistent organic pollutants
- wastes containing Japanese Knotweed, or other invasive plant species listed in the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 (formerly the EU Invasive Alien Species legislation)
- manures, slurries and spoiled bedding and straw from farms where animals have notifiable diseases as stipulated in the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2011
- pest infested waste
List A – waste codes and descriptions for open or closed systems
02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 02 01 | Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing |
| 02 01 03 | Plant-tissue waste |
| 02 01 06 | Animal faeces, urine and manure (including spoiled fully biodegradable bedding) |
| 02 01 07 | Waste from forestry |
| 02 01 99 | Wastes not otherwise specified – spent mushroom compost from commercial mushroom growing only |
03 Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 03 01 | Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture |
| 03 01 01 | Waste bark and cork – virgin timber only |
| 03 01 05 | Sawdust, shavings, cuttings, wood and particle board other than those in 03 01 04 only – virgin timber only |
| 03 03 | Wastes from pulp, paper and cardboard production and processing |
| 03 03 01 | Waste bark and wood – virgin timber only |
| 03 03 10 | Fibre rejects – virgin timber only |
15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 15 01 | Packaging (including separately collected municipal packaging waste) |
| 15 01 01 | Paper and cardboard packaging (only where no non-biodegradable coating or preserving substance present) certified to EN 13432 or equivalent certified compostable standard |
| 15 01 03 | Wooden packaging – virgin wood only |
| 15 01 05 | Composite packaging – certified to EN 13432 or equivalent certified compostable standard |
| 15 01 09 | textile packaging (made entirely from biodegradable fibres only) |
16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 16 03 | Off-specification batches and unused products |
| 16 03 06 | Organic wastes other than those mentioned in 16 03 05 – untreated wool fleece only (excludes hides and skins) |
17 Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 17 05 | Soils (excluding excavated soils from contaminated sites), stones and dredging spoil |
| 17 05 06 | Dewatered dredging spoil and plant tissue waste (other than those containing dangerous substances) from inland waters |
19 Waste from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 19 02 | Wastes from physical and chemical treatments of waste (including dechromatation, decyanidation, neutralisation |
| 19 02 03 | Premixed wastes composed only of non-hazardous wastes (waste types listed within the tables for open or closed systems) |
| 19 05 | Wastes from the aerobic treatment of solid wastes |
| 19 05 03 | Off-specification compost (from a composting process that accepts the waste types listed within the tables for open or closed systems only) |
| 19 12 | Wastes from the mechanical treatment of waste (for example sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletising) not otherwise specified |
| 19 12 12 | Other wastes (including mixtures of materials) from mechanical treatment of wastes other than those mentioned in 19 12 11 (and only including the waste types listed within the tables for open or closed systems only) |
20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 20 01 | Separately collected fractions |
| 20 01 01 | Paper and cardboard (only where no non-biodegradable coating or preserving substance present) certified to EN 13432 or equivalent certified compostable standard |
| 20 01 39 | Plastics certified to EN 13432 or equivalent certified standard only |
| 20 02 | Garden and park wastes (including cemetery waste) |
| 20 02 01 | Biodegradable waste (plant matter only) |
Excluded waste types for closed systems
Wastes having any of the following characteristics shall not be accepted in open or closed systems:
- biodegradable waste that is significantly contaminated with non-compostable contaminants, in particular plastic and litter shall be no more than 1% w/w and shall be as low as reasonably practicable by 31 December 2025
- wastes consisting solely or mainly of dusts (except sawdust), powders or loose fibres
- hazardous wastes
- wastes that are in liquid form
- wastes containing treated wood or post-consumer wood
- wastes containing wood-preserving agents or other biocides
- wastes containing persistent organic pollutants
- wastes containing Japanese Knotweed, or other invasive plant species listed in the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 (formerly the EU Invasive Alien Species legislation)
- manures, slurries and spoiled bedding and straw from farms where animals have notifiable diseases as stipulated in the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2011
- pest infested waste
List B – waste codes and descriptions for closed systems
02 Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing
| Waste code | Description |
|---|---|
| 02 01 | Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing |
| 02 01 02 | Animal tissue waste |
| 02 02 | Wastes from the preparation and processing of meat, fish and other foods of animal origin |
| 02 02 02 | Animal tissue waste (excluding animal blood) |
| 02 03 | Wastes from fruit, vegetables, cereals, edible oils, cocoa, coffee, tea and tobacco preparation and processing; conserve production; yeast and yeast extract production, molasses preparation and fermentation |
| 02 03 04 | Biodegradable materials unsuitable for consumption or processing |
| 02 05 | Wastes from the dairy products industry |
| 02 05 01 | Materials unsuitable for consumption or processing |
| 02 06 | Wastes from the baking and confectionery industry |
| 02 06 01 | Biodegradable materials unsuitable for consumption or processing |
| 02 07 | Wastes from the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except coffee, tea and cocoa) |
| 02 07 01 | Wastes from washing, cleaning and mechanical reduction of raw materials wastes from washing, cleaning and mechanical reduction of raw materials malt husks, malt sprouts, yeasts and yeast-like residues, spent grains or hops only |
| 02 07 02 | Wastes from spirits distillation – spent grains, hops and whisky filter sheets and cloths, yeast and yeast like residues, sludge from production process, or malt husks, malt sprouts, yeasts and yeast-like residues only |
| 02 07 04 | Materials unsuitable for consumption or processing – biodegradable wastes from the processing of the raw materials used in the production of such beverages only (wastes from the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except coffee, tea and cocoa)) |
| 02 07 05 | Waste sludge’s from the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages |
15 Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified
| Waste code | Description |
|---|---|
| 15 02 | Absorbents, filter materials, wiping cloths and protective clothing |
| 15 02 03 | Absorbents, filter materials and cloths from the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages other than those mentioned in 15 02 02 – hops and whisky filter sheets made from compostable material only |
19 Waste from waste management facilities, off-site waste water treatment plants and the preparation of water intended for human consumption and water for industrial use
| Waste code | Description |
|---|---|
| 19 06 | Waste from anaerobic treatment of waste |
| 19 06 04 | Digestate from anaerobic treatment of source segregated biodegradable waste – from a process that accepts waste input types listed in these standard rules or anaerobic digestion and made up of previously pasteurised and stabilised batches only. |
| 19 06 06 | Digestate from anaerobic treatment of animal and vegetable waste – from a process that accepts waste input types listed in these standard rules or anaerobic digestion and made up of previously pasteurised and stabilised batches only. |
20 Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions
| Waste code | Description |
|---|---|
| 20 01 | Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions |
| 20 01 08 | Biodegradable kitchen and canteen waste (mixed with biodegradable compostable cutlery and EN 13432 or equivalent certified compostable packaging only) |
| 20 03 | Other municipal wastes |
| 20 03 02 | Wastes from markets (biodegradable only) |
2.4 Operating techniques
2.4.1 The activities shall, subject to the other rules in this permit, be operated using the techniques and in the manner described in this rule 2.4.
Technique 1
(a) all waste and raw materials shall be securely stored
(b) the acceptance, preparation, storage, physical treatment and composting of wastes under anaerobic conditions shall be prevented. Waste shall be stored for the minimum time possible prior to treatment and batch formation, or otherwise actively managed to minimise uncontrolled decomposition
(c) storage of food waste and animal by product waste pending treatment shall be stored for no more than 2 days from receipt in an enclosed building
(d) quarantined and rejected waste shall be stored in closed containers or covered and removed to a regulated facility within 5 days
Technique 2
The volume of waste in storage or treatment must not exceed the design capacity of the site.
Technique 3
Incidental non-compostable fractions are to be removed prior to processing to a low as practicable level.
Technique 4
(a) when located within groundwater source protection zone 1 or 2, the acceptance, storage, physical treatment and composting of wastes shall take place only on an impermeable surface (a hydraulic permeability of not greater than 1x 10-9 m/s) with sealed construction joints within a bunded area (secondary containment). The bunded area shall have a capacity at least 110% of the largest vessel or 25% of the total tankage volume, whichever is the greater
(b) the bunds or secondary containment shall be regularly inspected to ensure they are emptied of rainwater
(c) connections and fill points should be within the bund or secondary containment
(d) no pipework should penetrate the bund wall or secondary containment unless it complies with CIRIA 736 report
Additional for open:
For locations other than a groundwater SPZ 1 and 2, the acceptance, storage, physical treatment and composting of wastes shall take place only on a hardstanding.
Technique 5
The operator shall have a site drainage plan that clearly shows clean and dirty water drainage and detail any discharge points as presented in technique 4.
Technique 6
(a) the operator shall have an inspection, maintenance and repair schedule of the facility’s critical infrastructure, including any impermeable surfacing and drainage system where appropriate – the schedule shall be carried out, maintained and a record kept
(b) drainage, aeration channels and collection sumps shall be inspected on a weekly basis and steam cleaned to prevent the build-up of odorous material and prevent pest infestations where applicable.
Technique 7
All above ground storage tanks and containers must be bunded in line with recommendations of a CIRIA 736 report or equivalent approved standard.
Technique 8
Discharges to groundwater or surface watercourses shall consist of clean water only.
Technique 9
Each composting batch shall:
(a) undergo an identifiable and effective sanitisation and stabilisation stage
(b) be defined with a batch number to ensure traceability from receipt of waste to dispatch from site
For closed processes the sanitisation of wastes shall take place in a closed system incorporating an emissions abatement system.
Technique 10
Monitoring regimes and systems shall be documented to ensure process stability and to minimise emissions and pollution.
Technique 11
(a) all lagoon or tank storage shall comply with CIRIA 736 or equivalent approved standard
(b) a freeboard of 750mm shall be maintained at all times
Technique 12
(a) where applicable the emissions abatement system shall be specifically designed to minimise the release of odour, bioaerosols and micro-organisms and be suitable for the operation
(b) air extraction and abatement systems shall be designed and built by a suitably qualified engineer. These shall be inspected and maintained and a record kept
Technique 13
Oversize material stored on site shall be monitored to prevent re-heating.
Technique 14
Material stored following composting and screening must not cause pollution and must be demonstrated to be stable.
Technique 15
Operators shall have procedures and contingency plans in place for compost management when the ability to move their compost or the demand for the compost by end users is reduced.
Improvement conditions
Operators of existing facilities (permits issued before 20 December 2021) shall by the 1 October 2022:
1. Undertake an inspection and works programme, where applicable. to ensure that all primary and secondary containment is fit for purpose, which shall include:
(a) an assessment and inspection of all primary containment, using a Written Scheme of Examination devised and undertaken by an appropriately qualified engineer
(b) an assessment and inspection of all secondary containment against the standards set out in CIRIA 736 shall be done by a competent structural engineer
(c) written reports of the findings of a) and b) (improvement condition 1) shall be submitted to the Environment Agency. Where the reports do not demonstrate that critical primary and secondary containment is fit for purpose, the reports shall contain detailed proposals to bring the containment up to the required standards including timescales for the implementation of individual measures (‘the measures’), or shall propose alternative appropriate measures to ensure all polluting materials will be contained on site.
(d) where it contains proposals for works, the report recommendations shall be implemented by the operator in accordance with the Environment Agency’s written approval
3. Emissions and monitoring
3.1 Emissions to air, water or land
3.1.1 There shall be no point source emissions to air, water or land, except from the sources and emission points listed under rule 3.1.4.
3.1.2 Point source emissions shall be identified on a site plan.
3.1.3 The limits given under rule 3.1.4 Monitoring point source channelled emissions to air where applicable, shall not be exceeded.
3.1.4 Monitoring point source channelled emissions to air where applicable.
Either the emission limit for ammonia (NH3) or odour concentration applies.
(a) the reference period is periodic over a minimum 1-hour period
(b) the monitoring frequency is every 2 years or as requested and agreed with the Environment Agency
| Parameter | Limit (incl. unit) | Monitoring standard or method |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | 20 mg/Nm³ | - Emissions of pollutants into the environment through any kind of duct, pipe or stack – includes emissions from open top biofilters - EN ISO 21877 to be used for stacks - Open biofilters methodology as agreed with the Environment Agency in the odour management plan |
| Odour concentration | 1,000 ouE/Nm³ | BS EN 13725 |
3.2 Emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits
3.2.1 Emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits (excluding odour) shall not cause pollution. The operator shall not be taken to have breached this rule if appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved emissions management plan, have been taken to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, those emissions.
3.2.2 The operator shall:
(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, an emissions management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits
(b) implement the approved emissions management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits
3.2.3 Where not already subject to a specific rule, all liquids in containers whose emission to water or land could cause pollution, shall be provided with secondary containment.
3.3 Odour
3.3.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved odour management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, the odour.
3.3.2 The operator shall:
(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to odour, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the specified period, a revised odour management plan
(b) implement any approved revised odour management plan from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency
3.4 Noise and vibration
3.4.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from noise and vibration at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved noise and vibration management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, the noise and vibration.
3.4.2 The operator shall:
(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to noise and vibration, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a noise and vibration management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from noise and vibration
(b) implement the approved noise and vibration management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency
3.5 Monitoring
3.5.1 The operator shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Environment Agency, undertake the following monitoring using the parameters specified.
3.5.2 The operator shall maintain records of all monitoring required by these standard rules including records of the taking and analysis of samples, instrument measurements (periodic and continual), calibrations, examinations, tests and surveys and any assessment or evaluation made on the basis of such data.
3.5.3 The operator shall ensure that:
(a) uncontrolled decomposition and anaerobic conditions are prevented
(b) temperature and moisture monitoring equipment shall be available on-site and used as required to maintain aerobic conditions and ensure compliance with these rules
(c) equipment shall be calibrated in accordance with manufactures recommendations or on a 4-monthly basis and a record maintained
(d) assessment, mixing and adjustment of waste shall enable air flow and prevent anaerobic conditions
(e) records shall be documented and maintained to demonstrate compliance with this rule 3.5.3
3.5.4 Process monitoring requirements
The process monitoring requirements are as follows.
(a) Monitoring meteorological conditions
The operator shall monitor these parameters continuously:
(i) wind speed
(ii) air temperature and wind direction
(b) Monitoring representative internal core in stockpiles and the waste prior to treatment
The operator shall:
(i) monitor the temperature daily or as agreed with the Environment Agency using a temperature probe
(c) Monitoring representative internal core for each composting batch during sanitisation and stabilisation
The operator shall monitor daily or as agreed with the Environment Agency these parameters:
(i) temperature using a temperature probe to record the core waste temperature – the probe must be placed to record it uniformly
(ii) moisture using an industry grab test as a minimum or a drying oven
(d) Monitoring representative internal core for each composting batch during further maturation stage
The operator shall monitor these parameters at least weekly:
(i) temperature using a temperature probe to record the core waste temperature – the probe must be placed to record it uniformly
(ii) moisture using an industry grab test as a minimum or a drying oven
(e) Channelled emissions from negative aeration and abatement systems
The operator shall monitor as follows:
| Parameter | Monitoring frequency | Monitoring method |
|---|---|---|
| Odour | As specified in an approved odour management plan | EN 13725 |
| Moisture | Daily | Industry grab test as a minimum or drying oven |
| Temperature | Daily | Temperature probe |
| Thatching and compaction | Weekly | Visible inspection |
| pH (biofilter drainage effluent) | Weekly | pH meter or litmus paper |
The operator shall meet these other specifications:
(i) air abatement system shall be monitored in accordance with its design specifications and records will be made available on request
(ii) emission assessment may be more frequent to ensure optimum emission abatement
(iii) monitoring equipment, techniques, personnel and organisations employed for the emissions monitoring programme (including the measurement of exhaust gas temperature) shall be UKAS accredited
(f) Monitoring representative internal core for over-size storage piles
The operator shall monitor the temperature weekly using a temperature probe.
(g) Monitoring lagoon and storage tanks
The operator shall:
(i) monitor and record the volume stored daily using a visual or flow meter measurement and maintain a record
(ii) maintain a 750mm freeboard in accordance with its design capacity
3.6 Pests
3.6.1 The activities shall not give rise to the presence of pests which are likely to cause pollution, hazard or annoyance outside the boundary of the site. The operator shall not be taken to have breached this rule if appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved pests management plan, have been taken to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise the presence of pests on the site.
3.6.2 The operator shall:
(a) only use approved products for pest control
(b) treat pest infestations promptly
(c) if notified by the Environment Agency, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a pests management plan which identifies and minimises risks of pollution from pests
(d) implement the pests management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency
3.7 Fire prevention
3.7.1 The operator shall take all appropriate measures to prevent fires on site and minimise the risk of pollution from them including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved fire prevention plan.
3.7.2 The operator shall:
(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to a risk of fire, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a fire prevention plan which prevents fires and minimises the risk of pollution from fires
(b) implement the fire prevention plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency
4. Information
4.1 Records
4.1.1 All records required to be made by these standard rules shall:
(a) be legible
(b) be made as soon as reasonably practicable
(c) if amended, be amended in such a way that the original and any subsequent amendments remain legible or are capable of retrieval
(d) be retained, unless otherwise agreed by the Environment Agency, for at least 6 years from the date when the records were made, or in the case of the following records until permit surrender:
(i) off-site environmental effects, and
(ii) matters which affect the condition of land and groundwater
4.1.2 The operator shall maintain convenient access, in either electronic or hard copy, to the records, plans and management system required to be maintained by this permit.
4.2 Reporting
4.2.1 The operator shall send all reports and notifications required by these standard rules to the Environment Agency using the contact details supplied in writing by the Environment Agency.
4.2.2 Within one month of the end of each quarter, the operator shall submit to the Environment Agency using the form made available for the purpose, the information specified on the form relating to the site and the waste accepted and removed from it during the previous quarter.
4.2.3 The operator shall keep records of the material exported from the site as non-waste including the type of material, the tonnage of material, the batch number and the date of export. This information shall be reported to the Environment Agency within one month of the end of each quarter and the records shall be maintained for at least 2 years.
4.2.4 Reporting requirements and frequency shall be as set out in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2 – reporting requirements
| Parameter | Emission or monitoring point (reference) | Report frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Channelled emissions to air | As specified under 3.5 Monitoring | In accordance with 3.5 Monitoring |
| Efficiency of abatement systems (where applicable) | In accordance with 3.5 Monitoring | The operator shall submit a report as agreed in writing by the Environment Agency |
| Waste and outputs returns | In accordance with rules 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 | Quarterly - within one month of the end of each quarter (e-waste return) |
4.3 Notifications
4.3.1 In the event:
(a) that the operation of the activities gives rise to an incident or accident which significantly affects or may significantly affect the environment, the operator must immediately do all of the following:
(i) inform the Environment Agency
(ii) take the measures necessary to limit the environmental consequences of such an incident or accident
(iii) take the measures necessary to prevent further possible incidents or accidents
(b) of a breach of any rule of this permit the operator must immediately do both of the following:
(i) inform the Environment Agency
(ii) take the measures necessary to ensure that compliance is restored within the shortest possible time
(c) of a breach of a condition of this permit which poses an immediate danger to human health or threatens to cause an immediate significant adverse effect on the environment, the operator must immediately suspend the operation of the activities or the relevant part of it until compliance with the permit rules has been restored
4.3.2 Written confirmation of actual or potential pollution incidents and breaches of emissions limits shall be submitted within 24 hours.
4.3.3 Following the detection of an issue listed in rule 4.3.1, the operator shall review and revise the management system including accident management plans, and implement any changes as necessary to minimise the risk of reoccurrence of the issue.
4.3.4 Where the Environment Agency has requested in writing that it shall be notified when the operator is to undertake monitoring or spot sampling (or both), the operator shall inform the Environment Agency when the relevant monitoring or spot sampling (or both) is to take place. The operator shall provide this information to the Environment Agency at least 14 days before the date the monitoring is to be undertaken.
4.3.5 The Environment Agency shall be notified within 14 days of the occurrence of the following matters, except where such disclosure is prohibited by Stock Exchange rules:
(a) Where the operator is a registered company, both of the following apply:
(i) any change in the operator’s trading name, registered name or registered office address
(ii) any steps taken with a view to the operator going into administration, entering into a company voluntary arrangement or being wound up
(b) Where the operator is a corporate body other than a registered company:
(i) any change in the operator’s name or address; and
(ii) any steps taken with a view to the dissolution of the operator.
(c) In any other case, all of the following apply:
(i) the death of any of the named operators (where the operator consists of more than one named individual)
(ii) any change in the operator’s name(s) or address(es)
(iii) any steps taken with a view to the operator, or any one of them, going into bankruptcy, entering into a composition or arrangement with creditors, or, in the case of them being in a partnership, dissolving the partnership
4.4 Interpretation
4.4.1 In these standard rules the expressions used have the following meanings.
4.4.2 In these standard rules references to reports and notifications mean written reports and notifications, except where reference is made to notification being made ‘without delay’, in which case it may be provided by telephone.
‘accident’ means an accident that may result in pollution.
‘accident management plan’ means a plan that identifies risks and failures which can have an impact on the environment or have environmental consequences. The plan forms part of the management system. The plan must minimise the potential causes and consequences and identify clearly, the roles, responsibilities and action to be taken to minimise the consequences of accidents. This includes measures to prevent and control fires on site (see fire prevention plan).
‘Air Quality Management Area’ means that defined in the Environment Act 1995, Part VI, 83(1) as amended.
‘Animal By-Products Regulations’ means The Animal By-Products Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2011 (SI 2013 No.2952).
‘animal waste’ means any waste consisting of animal matter that has not been processed into food for human consumption. This does include, blood, feathers, uncooked butchers waste and any other animal waste that is not catering waste or former foodstuffs. This does not include faecal matter from animals (such as chicken litter or farmyard manure).
‘authorised officer’ means any person authorised by the Environment Agency under section 108(1) of The Environment Act 1995 to exercise, in accordance with the terms of any such authorisation, any power specified in Section 108(4) of that Act.
‘biodegradable’ means a material is capable of undergoing biological anaerobic or aerobic degradation leading to the production of CO2, H2O, methane, biomass, and mineral salts, depending on the environmental conditions of the process.
‘capacity’ means the potential capacity and not historical or actual production levels or throughput. Biological treatment of waste usually takes place over more than one day, so the physical daily capacity can be calculated by dividing the maximum quantity of waste that could be subject to biological treatment at any one time by the minimum residence time. Further guidance ‘RGN2: Understanding the meaning of regulated facility Definition of regulated facility’ is available.
‘channelled emissions’ means emissions of pollutants into the environment through any kind of duct, pipe, stack. This also includes emissions from open-top biofilters.
‘competent persons and resources’ means that a technically competent person accredited to a relevant scheme must attend site and record their attendance, and that all roles and responsibilities are clearly stated in the management systems along with records of operatives’ training. See the guidance on the level of competence and duration of attendance.
‘compost’ means a solid particulate material that is the result of composting, which has been sanitised and stabilised, and which confers beneficial effects when added to soil, used as a component of growing media or used in another way in conjunction with plants.
‘compostable plastics’ means waste containing packaging or non-packaging items (or both) with a valid certificate of conformity to EN 13432, or equivalent standard for compostable and digestible items with a certificate issued by an independent certification body’ capable of fully biodegrading by a biological process to create compost or digest.
‘composting’ means the managed biological decomposition of biodegradable waste organic materials, under conditions that are predominantly aerobic and that allow the development of thermophilic temperatures as a result of biologically produced heat and that result in compost.
‘composting batch’ means an identifiable quantity of material that progresses through the composting system and when fully processed has similar characteristics throughout. For composting systems that operate on a continuous or plug-flow basis, batches will be taken to mean a series of ‘portions of production’.
‘direct discharge’ means discharge to a receiving water body.
‘emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits’ means emissions of substances to air, water or land from the activities, either from emission points specified in these standard rules or from other localised or diffuse sources, which are not controlled by an emission limit.
‘emissions to land’ means including emissions to groundwater.
‘enclosed or closed system’ means a closed composting reactor or closed area (such as a building) in which waste is fully contained, and efficient air management abatement systems are demonstrated. This may cover a wide range of technology and, where necessary, is in compliance with Animal By-Products Regulations.
‘European Site’ means a European site within the meaning of Regulation 8 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and refers to a candidate or Special Area of Conservation and proposed or Special Protection Area in England and Wales.
‘good habitat’ means rough (especially tussocky) grassland, scrub and woodland.
‘groundwater’ means all water, which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil.
‘groundwater source protection zone’ - means as defined in the document titled ‘Groundwater protection technical guidance.
‘hardstanding’ means ground surfaced with a hard material for parking vehicles or storing and treating materials. It must be capable of being kept clear of debris, remain level and rut free and being maintained so that it does not cause surface water ponding.
‘hazardous waste’ means as defined in the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended).
‘impermeable surface’ means a surface or pavement constructed to CIRIA 736 or demonstrated equivalent and maintained to a standard sufficient to prevent the transmission of liquids beyond the pavement surface, and should be read in conjunction with the term ‘sealed drainage system’.
‘incidental contamination’ means low levels of incidental waste, for example plastic, that may be contained within the feedstock waste.
‘maturation’ means a stage when by agitating and turning the compost it no longer results in reheating and the monitored temperature falls to ambient without the compost being too dry or anaerobic. Phytotoxins that are formed during the ‘active’ composting phase are metabolised by micro-organisms, which will result in the final material not being harmful to plants. This usually coincides with drop in pH toward neutral, and the conversion of ammonia into nitrates and recolonisation of beneficial micro-organisms. The maturation phase may need active management by turning to prevent the material becoming anaerobic.
‘nearest sensitive receptor’ means the nearest place to the permitted activities where people are likely to be for prolonged periods. This term would therefore apply to dwellings (including any associated gardens) and to many types of workplaces. We would not normally regard a place where people are likely to be present for less than 6 hours at one time as being a sensitive receptor. The term does not apply to those controlling the permitted facility, their staff when they are at work or to visitors to the facility, as their health is covered by Health and Safety at Work legislation, but would apply to dwellings occupied by the family of those controlling the composting facility.
‘operator’ means in relation to a regulated facility:
(a) the person who has control over the operation of the regulated facility,
(b) if the regulated facility has not yet been put into operation, the person who will have control over the regulated facility when it is put into operation, or
(c) if a regulated facility authorised by an environmental permit ceases to be in operation, the person who holds the environmental permit
‘open system’ means a composting system, such as outdoor, turned windrowing, where the waste and the resulting emissions are not fully contained during sanitisation. It includes other technologies such as aerated static piles.
‘pests’ means birds, vermin and insects.
‘pollution’ means emissions as a result of human activity which may –
- be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment,
- cause offence to a human sense,
- result in damage to material property, or
- impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment
‘post-consumer wood’ means manufactured treated wooden materials and products that have been discarded.
‘quarter’ means a calendar year quarter commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October.
‘R’ means a recovery operation provided for in Annex II to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on Waste.
‘representative internal’ means representative monitoring at a point inside the windrows that will give a representative assessment of internal temperature. Note: larger windrows will require more bespoke temperature equipment to assess temperature profiles accurately.
‘sanitisation’ means the actively managed and intensive stage of composting, lasting for at least 5 days, characterised by high oxygen demand and temperatures of over 55°C, during which biological processes, together with conditions in the composting mass, eradicate human and animal pathogens or reduce them to acceptably low levels.
‘sealed drainage system’ means a drainage system with impermeable components which does not leak and which will ensure that:
(a) no liquid will run off the surface otherwise than via the system
(b) except where they may lawfully be discharged to foul sewer, all liquids entering the system are collected in a sealed sump
‘secondary containment’ means a system that is capable of containing loss from all above ground and underground storage tanks and that complies with CIRIA standard 736 or equivalent standard of design and construction.
‘secure storage’ means that all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that the waste cannot escape and that members of the public are unable to gain access to the waste.
‘stable’ or ‘stabilised’ means the degree of processing and biodegradation at which the rate of biological activity has slowed to an acceptably low and consistent level and will not significantly increase under favourable, altered conditions.
‘stabilisation stage’ means the stage of composting following sanitisation, during which biological processes, together with conditions in the composting mass, give rise to compost that is nominally stable. Soluble carbon is usually not fully used and material is still considered to be in treatment. This stage is a managed process to prevent odours, dust and bioaerosols. There is also a residual risk of reheating and leachate breakout.
‘treated wood’ means any wood that has been chemically treated (such as to enhance or alter the performance of the original wood). Treatments may include penetrating oils, tar oil preservatives, waterborne preservatives, organic-based preservatives, boron and organo-metallic based preservatives, boron and halogenated flame retardants and surface treatments (including paint and veneer).
‘year’ means calendar year commencing on 1 January.
End of standard rules.
Version 1.