Brief
The latest Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for Waste Treatment 2018 (BREF) previously underwent a review across the European Union before being published in 2018. As per R61 Notices issued by the Environment Agency, all Biowaste Treatment Installations are currently up for review against the new BAT standards and all existing installations must meet the new standards stated within the BAT document by 17 August 2022. GWE Biogas currently operate a wet mesophilic anaerobic digestion facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire with a permitted treatment capacity of 125,000 tonnes per annum. GWE Biogas commissioned WRM to produce a detailed response to the Environment Agency’s Regulation 61 Notice.
The Solution
WRM liaised with the client throughout the process to complete a full BAT assessment for the installation against the updated BAT standards. The findings of the assessment were also discussed with the client before submission of the document to the Environment Agency. An overview of the methodology utilised by WRM is included below:
Data Collection – WRM were already employed by GWE Biogas on a retained basis so the project was started by gathering all relevant permit management system/compliance documentation off the online shared folder as well as physical copies stored on site to enable the assessment to be completed.
Assessment – Following the collection exercise, WRM commenced a systematic review of each new BAT standard (conclusion), detailing how the operator’s current management system and compliance records satisfy the requirement. Any element which didn’t satisfy the BAT standard was noted down within the BAT assessment document.
Liaison with CQA Engineer – As part of the Regulation 61 response, a separate assessment of the containment and drainage systems in place at the site was undertaken by a suitably qualified engineer against CIRIA C736. WRM managed this element of the process, identifying a suitable contractor, co-ordinating their site visit to assess the infrastructure against CIRIA C736 and assisting the contractor with any additional clarifications following their visit. The engineer then provided a standalone report to WRM which was referenced within the BAT Assessment.
Closing Comments – WRM completed the project by the allotted deadline, meeting the client’s expectations. Please contact WRM if you require assistance with your Regulation 61 Notice.
I have worked with WRM for a number of years and always found them to be knowledgeable and hardworking. This was no different whilst working on the response to the Regulation 61 notice.
TOM MEGGINSON (DIRECTOR)