Black Bridge Farm Non Tech

Non Technical Summary of the Proposals Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Proposed Waste Bio-Drying and Pyrolysis Process

2009

Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd

Welcome to Think Environmental

Th?nk Environmental exists to provide sustainable, cost-effective, flexible and reliable solutions to the commercial and industrial waste markets. We are not and will never be landfill operators and will continue to strive to find alternatives to improve our clients' recycling levels. In short: Th?nk waste, Th?nk recycling, Th?nk Environmental…

Non Technical Summary of the Proposals 1. Think Environmental is seeking planning permission to develop a commercial and industrial waste management facility. The proposed facility comprises a 10 bay waste bio-drying element and a pyrolysis process on land at Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer near Kettering as shown on Figure 1. 2. Think Environmental’s proposals are to provide a facility that will deal with 50,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste each year. Energy produced from the process will be harnessed in the form of electricity at a rate sufficient to power around 12,500 homes each year. A third of Kettering’s power requirements. 3. A planning application for the new facility has been submitted to Northamptonshire County Council. 4. The application is accompanied by a number of supporting documents and technical appendices and this document summarises the proposals in a non technical way. Need for the Waste Management Facility 5. The proposals will form part of a future waste management solution for the local area and reflect national guidance and emerging local policy guidance on the need to move away from landfill, move waste up the hierarchy and promote re-use of residues and recovery of energy. Historically there has been a reliance on landfill in Northamptonshire and this facility will assist in changing that reliance in the future. 6. Landfill is not acceptable as a long-term option. The waste hierarchy, set out in the Waste Strategy for England Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

2007, establishes reduction and re-use as the primary means of dealing with waste, followed by recovery of value from waste which cannot be effectively managed by those activities. This proposal represents an effective form of waste treatment which recovers value without creating residues at the end of the process. These proposals will also assist Northamptonshire County Council in meeting their requirements to divert increasing tonnages of commercial and industrial waste from landfill. 7. The Waste Local Plan for the County encourages sustainable waste management solutions such as demonstrated by these proposals. 8. A number of key benefits will arise as a result of the proposals. There are particular benefits for Northamptonshire County Council, other local councils and the local business community and the general public within the County together with wider benefits. These include: N The provision of a sustainable waste management solution of proven technology which will deal with 50,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste arising in the locality N The facility reduces the quantities of this type of waste being landfilled and assists the County Council in meeting its future waste management targets N The site is well located to the strategic road network to attract waste without major traffic impact N A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by diverting wastes from landfill Non Technical Summary 2009

Figure 1: Location Plan Source: Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd

Scale. 1:50 000 Based upon the Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 scale map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright

Location of Site

N The use of almost all of the waste as a resource to produce renewable energy (electricity) N Future potential for local businesses/developers to utilise heat arising from the process. Alternatives 9. As part of the scheme development and assessment of need, consideration was given to alternative sites for location of such a facility. The technology to be employed is proven and reliable and will make a positive contribution to the local waste management network. 10. The results of this exercise concluded that there are few sites within the locality that are suitable for this type of facility and Blackbridge Farm is considered to offer the most benefits in terms of proximity to the waste arisings, its relatively remote location away from the built up area of Kettering and Burton Latimer and residential properties, Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

and good access to the primary and strategic road network. Description of the Proposals 11. The proposed development comprises a number of key elements and planning permission is sought for: i) ii) iii)

iv) v) vi) vii)

Retention of existing access from Cranford Road; Retention of existing weighbridge and new weighbridge/administration office; Retention of one existing building and modifications comprising a canopy over the air cooled condensers and two apertures for conveyors to bio-drying bays; Bio-drying pad and bays Site offices including a Visitors Centre; Access and circulation roads; Associated car parking; Non Technical Summary 2009

viii) A floor mounted “out” weighbridge ix) A floor mounted wheelwash; x) Erection of air coolers; xi) Process water storage; xii) 5 No. Gas scrubbers xiii) 5 No. ISO containers containing gas engines xiv) Water storage pond; xv) Landscaping proposals including additional bunding and infill planting along the northern boundary of the site

12. Figures 2, 3 and 4 provide further details of the proposed development. 13. The pyrolysis facility will operate on a 24 hour basis throughout the year which is fully enclosed in the existing buildings. However waste and deliveries will only be received and char removed on a controlled basis between the hours of 0630-1600 Mondays to Fridays and 06301100 on Saturdays.

Figure 2: Think Environmental Process Source: Think Environmental

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Non Technical Summary 2009

Comp-Any Technology

14. Once fully commissioned the site will have a visitor centre where both members of the public and local schools will be able to visit the site and have tutorials on the site and recycling in general. Construction 15. Construction of the facility will take around 8 weeks and will be followed by a 6 month period of commissioning. 16. Construction will take place between the hours of 0700 and 1800 Mondays to Fridays and 0700-1300 on Saturdays. 17. A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be prepared to confirm the exact construction methodologies to be employed and measures to limit any impacts arising from construction.

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

The Environmental Issues Defined 18. From an analysis of the environmental and baseline context at Blackbridge Farm and as a result of discussions with the County Council officers the following key issues were defined as requiring more detailed investigation and assessment: N Land contamination N Air quality N Traffic and access 19. In addition to these topics the following environmental issues have also been considered in the application: N N N N N N

Landscape and visual impact General Amenity Bio-diversity Landscape and Visual Impact Socio-economic implications Agriculture Non Technical Summary 2009

Air Quality 20. The air quality impact (including bioaerosols and odour) of the proposed development has been assessed with reference to relevant air quality standards and objectives for any pollutants that would be released. 21. Detailed atmospheric dispersion modelling has been undertaken of emissions to atmosphere from the facility. Modelling was undertaken for scenarios that represented the normal operating conditions with five pyrolysis lines operating, three gas engines per pyrolysis line (upto 15 engines in total) and ten bio-drying bays. 22. The modelling was undertaken using a specialised, computer model and incorporated a sensitivity analysis to determine which model parameters (buildings, surface roughness, terrain and meteorological data sets) would produce the most realistic set of predictions and then the set of worst-case predictions. 23. The model predicted that there would be no exceedences of the objective limits defined within the Air Quality Regulations for nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particles and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC); the pollutants considered within the study. 24. No exceedences of the short term significance threshold for hourly average NO2 process contribution were predicted for any of the nearby specific receptors. 25. The model predicted that there would be no significant impact on air quality associated with the

emissions from the gas engines of other pollutants such as PM10, CO, odour or bio-aerosols. 26. The results from detailed atmospheric dispersion modelling indicate that the potential impact on local air quality of emissions from the proposed bio-drying / pyrolysis facility at Blackbridge Farm is likely to be low, and in relation to most of the pollutants considered, can be dismissed as insignificant. Traffic and Transport 27. The traffic and transportation impacts of the proposed development have been assessed. During construction and operation of the facility, access to and from the site will be via Cranford Road to the A6. A Transport Statement has been prepared to accompany the application. 28. It sets out an assessment of trip generation potential of the proposed development in the context of the current use of the site. It is predicted that future trips arising from the site would be lower than the current level of trip generation and as a result the study concluded that the proposed development would not give rise to any discernable worsening of existing traffic conditions, particularly in the context of existing traffic flows. 29. The road network in the locality has also been appraised for its suitability to accommodate the types of vehicles anticipated to visit the site. From this review it was concluded that the existing highway infrastructure was suitable to accommodate the development. This

Proper Aeration

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Non Technical Summary 2009

Figure 3: Proposed Site Plan Source: Think Environmental

Not to Scale Based upon the Ordnance Survey scale map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Non Technical Summary 2009

Blowers at Push Wall

assessment included swept path analysis of the existing access, which is proposed to be retained, and concluded that no modifications to the access arrangements are necessary to facilitate the development. 30. The surrounding road network was also appraised in terms of highway safety and detailed accident data was assessed. 31. The Transport Statement concludes that by virtue of the site’s existing use and its associated trip generation, and having regard to the above, that the highway network can accommodate the proposed development without detriment to safety or operational performance. 32. It is recognised that planning policy guidance seeks to promote more sustainable travel and as part of their commitment to environmental standards, Think Environmental will seek to implement a Green Travel Plan.

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Land Contamination and Ground Conditions 33. A Phase 1 Land Contamination survey has been carried out at the site to identity the potential for any contamination and, should that be the case, appropriate mitigation. 34. The baseline conditions laid out in the report are drawn from widely available published materials and information provided by the landowner relating to historical and current uses of the site. Historically the site has been used as a stone pit, a piggery and more recently for grain storage. 35. Based on the available information, it is considered that there are few likely causes of significant ground contamination. Specifically significant risks to humans, the environment or the development itself are unlikely as a result of current or historic uses of the site. In this respect a dedicated site investigation to refine the conceptual model is not considered necessary at this stage. Non Technical Summary 2009

36. Notwithstanding the above, potential radon hazards (common to Northamptonshire) need to be assessed once the development design has been finalised and some potential asbestos containing materials have been identified. This is unlikely to pose a significant health risk since the propensity for fibre release from this material is generally low, however it would be prudent to address the issue prior to any further site disturbance. Material handling will be dealt with in the CEMP. 37. Any asbestos containing materials will be removed from the site by a specialist waste contractor. 38. Beyond the above, further site remediation is unlikely to be necessary. 39. The CEMP will include provision for a “watching brief” to advise on ground contamination should conditions be identified that suggests such issues exist, e.g. discoloured, odorous ground, etc. Flood Risk 40. The site lies within a Flood Zone 1 “low probability” area. As a result an assessment has been undertaken on the likelihood of flood risk, off site, as a result of the proposals. 41. The assessment has examined the proposals and the water management regime, current and proposed. Drainage calculations have also been carried out. 42. The assessment concludes that the proposed development will significantly improve the water management regime and will not give rise to additional flood risk. Bio-diversity 43. As stated above the site is surrounded by existing vegetation and this will present opportunities for wildlife habitats. In addition there is a currently unmanaged pond to the north west of the site which may also present opportunities for additional bio-diversity interest in the future. 44. Landscape proposals developed for the site (as shown in Figure 4) will provide a valuable opportunity for habitat creation and management.

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

General Amenity 45. The Air Quality Assessment concludes that the proposals will not impact significantly in terms of air quality, bioaerosols and odour. 46. Noise from a development can also give rise to amenity effects. With the exception of the waste biodrying activities most of the activities will take place within the building. 47. The vehicles associated with waste movements (i.e the four wheeled loaders) from the building to the drying bays will be fitted with white noise alarms to reduce the “bleeping” effect associated with reversing which can give rise to noise impacts. 48. The engines are to be sited within fully acoustic ISO containers and they include additional appropriate silencers. 49. Waste vehicles will follow the vehicle circulation route around the site, minimising the need to reverse. The daily level of vehicles is low and unlikely to give rise to unacceptable noise impact, particularly in the context of traffic levels on the adjacent A14 link road. 50. The proposed development includes mitigation measures to reduce the impact of noise and vibration. This includes preparation of a CEMP which will ensure noise impacts are maintained at acceptable levels. Socio-economic 51. The proposed development will have a positive socio-economic impact which will start from construction and continue throughout the operational life of the facility. 52. 20 temporary jobs will be created as a result of construction, although these are likely to be sourced from outside the locality. 53. However, 28 permanent jobs will be created for the life of the facility. Think Environmental’s policy is to recruit locally. Water Environment and Drainage 54. Clean water will be harvested and re-used on site, whilst dirty water will be appropriately dealt with.

Non Technical Summary 2009

Figure 4: Landscape Layout, Section and Elevation Source: Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd

E x is t ing p la nt in g

P r o p o s eed t r e e pl anti ng

P r o p o s eed s h r u b p la n t in g

Not e s

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e d g e shrub p la nt in g 'ov erlaps' int o t r e e p la nti ng are a, tre e s pa c ing allow s f o r establishme ment o f can opies TYPICAL T YPICA A LSECTION S ECT ION THROUGH T HROUGH H MOUND MOUND Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

und dulating b und wi th g e nt le mou ndin g p la nt e d wi th ind ig en o u s sp e ci e e vocati ve o f w oo dla nd a r ea s a nd na t iv e hedgerow mix TYPICAL T YPICA L 25M 2 5 mLONG L ONGELEVATION EL EV A T IONOF OFFMOUND MOUND

Not to Scale Based upon the Ordnance Survey 1:10 000 scale map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright

Non Technical Summary 2009

Landscape and Visual Impact 55. The proposed waste management facility lies within a relatively flat landscape characterised by fields, hedgerows and interspersed with wooded areas. There is a fair degree of urbanisation apparent from the A14 link road, distant views of urban areas and the back drop of a wind farm, all representing detractors to a greater or lesser degree. 56. The proposals will be incorporated within the existing Blackbridge Farm compound and within the main existing building. With the exception of the stacks (which are small in diameter and the same height as the existing building) no additional physical features will protrude above the existing building heights. 57. Current views into the site from the north are obscured by existing vegetation and the same is true from the south. The proposed development does not impact upon the vegetation so these natural screens will be retained. 58. The proposals will not impact upon the landscape character by virtue of the modest scale of the redevelopment works. Agriculture 59. The proposed development will be sited on Blackbridge Farm, displacing some historic agricultural buildings and re-using an existing farm building. In the current economic climate farm diversification represents a means of maintaining income for the landowners. 60. This proposal does not preclude farming activities on part of the site.

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer

Non Technical Summary 2009

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