APC Residues...

Source

APC residues are the by products of cleaning up flue gases from high temperature processes. They are generated by energy from waste facilities, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, sheet glass production, paper recycling and bio-energy plants (eg straw, wood and chicken litter fuelled power plants).

Residue

The Air Pollution Control (APC) residues processed in the treatment plant are very fine powders (almost like talcum powder) with a very high lime content (pH). Just like cement, this means that the residues can be a skin irritant. It is these general characteristics which define the waste as hazardous. Other materials such as metals and dioxins are present in extremely low levels - so low that on their own the waste would not be classified as hazardous.

The PPC Permit requires Grundon to make regular analyses of the content of the APC residues. On the basis of historical monitoring over the last 12 years and in the context of the Groundwater Risk Assessment which forms the basis of the PPC Permit, the disposal of APC residues has no adverse impact on the environment or human health.

Controls

APC residues are chemically very consistent and an experienced chemist looking at the 'fingerprint' can identify which plant they have come from. Nevertheless, all the materials are routinely sampled and analysed every 3 months.

Transport

APC residues are collected from the waste producers in purpose designed, sealed aluminium vacuum tankers, driven by appropriately trained drivers.

On Site Delivery

Once all the paperwork has been checked, the tanker discharges its load in a sealed system, to one of four silos.

Treatment Process

The APC residues are mixed with water or effluent to produce a stable, solid material and prevent dust on deposition. Every aspect of the plant is automatically monitored and controlled to ensure safe and reliable treatment and operation. Most of the moving parts on the plant are also monitored in some way.

Transfer

The conditioned ash (now similar in texture to wet sand) is discharged from the plant through a flexible chute into dump trucks for landfill disposal.

Disposal

The conditioned ash is discharged into the engineered hazardous waste cell. It is then levelled and compacted by bulldozers to achieve a solid, compacted surface.

Monitoring

As well as the operational monitoring, significant environmental monitoring is also carried out on a regular basis on and around the site.

Wingmoor Farm is one of the very few sites in the country where the Permit requires continuous environmental dust monitoring. Grundon has 8 dust monitors on the site which are routinely checked by the EA and the EA also has 8 sites outside the landfill. Daily assessments of occupational dust levels within the site are also undertaken to ensure that staff are not exposed to unsafe dust levels.

Typical Wastes & Ordering Information

The table below shows a list of Typical Wastes where the Ash Removal and Disposal Service would be recommended.

Additionally shown are the areas where this service is available. If your area is not shown or for ordering information contact your nearest depot. Alternatively call 0870 443 8278 for general information.

Typical Wastes	Coverage Area
General Waste Dust Ash Un-Recyclables	Banbury Area 01295 253611 Gloucester Area 01242 676011 Leatherhead Area 01753 683277 Oxford Area 01491 834340 Reading Area 0118 9712012 Slough Area 01753 683277 National & Other 0870 443 8278

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