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
Location of Site of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright

N The use of almost all of the waste as a resource and good access to the primary and strategic road
to produce renewable energy (electricity) network.
N Future potential for local businesses/developers
to utilise heat arising from the process. Description of the Proposals

Alternatives 11. The proposed development comprises a number of

key elements and planning permission is sought for:
9. As part of the scheme development and assessment
of need, consideration was given to alternative sites for i) Retention of existing access from Cranford Road;
location of such a facility. The technology to be employed ii) Retention of existing weighbridge and new
is proven and reliable and will make a positive weighbridge/administration office;
contribution to the local waste management network. iii) Retention of one existing building and
modifications comprising a canopy over the air
10. The results of this exercise concluded that there are cooled condensers and two apertures for
few sites within the locality that are suitable for this type of conveyors to bio-drying bays;
facility and Blackbridge Farm is considered to offer the iv) Bio-drying pad and bays
most benefits in terms of proximity to the waste arisings, v) Site offices including a Visitors Centre;
its relatively remote location away from the built up area of vi) Access and circulation roads;
Kettering and Burton Latimer and residential properties, vii) Associated car parking;

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer 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
Figure 2: Think Environmental Process
Source: Think Environmental
Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer
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 0630-
1100 on Saturdays.
Non Technical Summary 2009
Comp-Any Technology

14. Once fully commissioned the site will have a visitor The Environmental Issues Defined
centre where both members of the public and local
schools will be able to visit the site and have tutorials on 18. From an analysis of the environmental and baseline
the site and recycling in general. context at Blackbridge Farm and as a result of
discussions with the County Council officers the following
Construction key issues were defined as requiring more detailed
investigation and assessment:
15. Construction of the facility will take around 8 weeks
and will be followed by a 6 month period of N Land contamination
commissioning. N Air quality
N Traffic and access
16. Construction will take place between the hours of
0700 and 1800 Mondays to Fridays and 0700-1300 on 19. In addition to these topics the following
Saturdays. environmental issues have also been considered in the
application:
17. A Construction Environmental Management Plan
(CEMP) will be prepared to confirm the exact construction N Landscape and visual impact
methodologies to be employed and measures to limit any N General Amenity
impacts arising from construction. N Bio-diversity
N Landscape and Visual Impact
N Socio-economic implications
N Agriculture

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer 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
Proper Aeration
Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer
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
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 bio-
drying 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

A ll e xisting t r e e a nd shrub pl anti ng to r e t a ine d

some overhan gin g a n d d e a d b r a nc h e s m a y
ne e d to b e t r im m e d w it h a c le a n vertical c u t to
he lp a v o id in f e c t io n

Mo u nd ing t o u n d u la t e in h e ig h t f r o m a ppr o x .
1 m to 2 . 5 m high a n d 1 2 m w id e to c r e a t e
n a t u r a li s t i c f e e l

P LA N PLAN P la nt in g to b e ind ig e n o u s s p e c ie s w h ic h w ill

a t t r a c t lo c a l w ild llif e

T r e e p la n t in g c r e a t ing attractiv e n a t u r a lis t ic

u n d u la t in g o u t line a lo n g t o p o f r id g e v is ib le o f f
s it e
appro x. 1 2 m
Shrub p la nt in g e d g e c r e a t ing c on t r a s t o f
he ig ht , c olou r , d e
en s it y a n d t e x t u r e

p ro le o f
bu nd 1 m -
2 .5m h ig h

e d g e shrub p la nt in g 'ov erlaps' int o t r e e p la nti ng are a, unddulating b und wi th g e nt le mou ndin g p la nt e d wi th ind ig en o u s
tre e s pa c ing allow s f o r establishme
ment o f can opies 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 Not to Scale
Based upon the Ordnance Survey 1:10 000 scale map with the permission

TYPICALA LSECTION
S ECT ION THROUGH H MOUND TYPICAL
T YPICA L 25M
2 5 mLONG
L ONGELEVATION
EL EV A T IONOF
OFFMOUND
of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright

T YPICA T HROUGH MOUND MOUND

Blackbridge Farm, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer 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 re-
development 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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