PROPOSED EXTENSION TO EXISTING AND OPERATIONAL CENTRALISED ANAEROBIC DIGESTION (CAD) PLANT
TULLY QUARRY BALLYMENA CO. ANTRIM CONSULTATION MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021
WELCOME This online magazine has been prepared to provide relevant information in respect of a new development proposal for an extension to an existing and operational Centralised Anaerobic Digestion (CAD) plant at the Tully Quarry site. The plant is being developed in response to challenges which have arisen in the poultry industry due to the traditional activity of spreading poultry litter on agricultural land. This practice is no longer sustainable as poultry litter has relatively high phosphorus content and its application to land has exceeded agronomic need in Northern Ireland. The proposed installation will deploy tried and tested technology and will present the poultry industry with a practical, economical and sustainable way of reducing phosphorus surpluses that are occurring in Northern Ireland’s soils as well as helping to abate ammonia emissions from agriculture. It will also have the potential to generate enough renewable electricity to power 30,000 homes or suďŹƒcient renewable gas to replace 5% of the imported fossil fuel gas used to heat Northern Ireland homes and businesses in 2018, thereby helping NI to achieve its future energy targets. Your feedback on the proposal is very much welcomed as all matters raised will be taken into consideration and reected upon in the formal application submission.
Background This online magazine follows a previous public information event that was held in January 2018 at the Tully Quarry site, shortly after the Phase I plant became operational in October 2017. This plant generates 3MWe from up to 40,000 tonnes of poultry litter per annum. Prior to submission of the Phase II application, it was considered prudent to operate the Phase I plant for an extended period of time to optimise the process efficiency and refine performance parameters before finalising the Phase II design. A clear example of this are the improvements that have been made to the Phase I odour control system in response to unexpected malodours detected off-site by local residents after the plant became operational. Following a required period of analysis and trialling, an additional stage of treatment was added and with the system settings adjusted, it is now operating effectively. With the knowledge and experience of operating Phase I successfully for over three years, the proposed extension is being developed to cater fully for the poultry industry where the challenge of managing litter and manure in a more environmentally sustainable way remains.
Since the previous information event was held in 2018, the following changes have incorporated into the proposed development design: • The number of tanks required and the heights of the buffer / storage tanks have been adjusted; • Bund wall heights were also adjusted to ensure sufficient containment of the tank farm given changes in storage volumes; • Additional biogas purification capacity has been added; • A designated liquid digestate treatment area has been added; • Modelling undertaken as part of the Air Quality Impact Assessment informed the height of the stacks but it was considered prudent to increase the proposed stack heights further to 40m to ensure adequate dispersion; and • Important design changes have been made to the proposed odour control system to provide additional and more robust treatment capacity. A thermal treatment step has been added whereby odourous compounds will be oxidised thermally and a new stage of carbon polishing on the treated air stream has also been introduced to further augment air treatment prior to discharge to atmosphere. The dimensions of the biofilter have also been amended.
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THE PROPOSED SITE Site
The site is located off Moorfields Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland (NI) approximately 6km to the east of the centre of Ballymena, 3.6km to the east of the M2 and 2.5km northwest of the settlement of Moorfields Irregular in shape, the application site comprises an area within a largely extracted part of the quarry where basalt rock extraction and aggregate crushing and processing has taken place. This quarry activity has facilitated the ground levels required for Phase II with the exception of some below ground elements of the proposal that will require further excavation. The wider worked-out area of the quarry is to the southeast of the site. The existing Phase I development adjoins the site immediately to the north-west and the wider land holding to the north comprises undeveloped agricultural land bound by the Craigadoo Road. A Waste Transfer Station (WTS) that is operated by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is located beyond Phase I to the north-west of the site. The WTS receives predominantly residual Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and incorporates a large industrial building and secure concrete yard and associated office building.
Surroundings
The surrounding wider lands are rural in character and in agricultural use. While the site does not benefit from any landscape, natural or built heritage designations, there are a number of special designations in the wider area including Antrim Hills Special Protection Area (SPA) (6.75km from the site), Sandy Braes Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) (6.5km from the site) and Tardree Quarry ASSI (7.25km from the site). There are a number of quarries in the surrounding area including a Northstone quarry 600 metres north east of the site. Planning permission was also previously granted for a Material Recovery Facility at lands opposite Northstone but this has not yet been constructed. There are circa 20 residential properties dispersed in the surrounding area within 800m of the quarry and the nearest residential receptor is located over 280m from the closest proposed stack.
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THE PROPOSAL Process
The proposed AD plant will generate renewable energy by processing up to 200,000 tonnes of poultry litter / manure per annum. AD is a sustainable form of renewable energy production through a naturally occurring process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material, in the absence of oxygen in an enclosed system to produce biogas. The AD process on-site can be broadly divided into three main stages:
1. Pre-treatment
Incoming feedstock will be ooaded inside the main building with no outdoor storage or handling of litter/manure. The feedstock material will be conveyed into hoppers and from there then transferred to mixing tanks, where it is blended with fresh water and recirculated liquid digestate following ďŹ ltration and nitrogen stripping treatments.
2. AD treatment
The prepared feedstock in the mixing tanks is then pumped to the digestion tanks in the tank farm where the organic material will be broken down in enclosed sealed tanks to produce both biogas and digestate.
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3. Post treatment
After digestion the digestate is pumped to the pasteurisation tanks for treatment in accordance with Animal By-Product Regulations (ABPR). The digestate is then pumped to the dewatering plant where it will be separated into solid and liquid digestate fractions. The solid, or ‘fibre’, digestate will be diverted from agriculture in Northern Ireland, where nutrient surpluses exist, and exported for use in markets with a demand for its valuable nutrient profile, such as the horticulture sector. Most of the liquid digestate will be diverted through established ammonia stripping technology that denitrifies the liquid so it can be recirculated to the start of the process to dilute the incoming poultry litter. The ammonia stripping stage utilises sulphuric acid and will generate an ammonium sulphate that will also be exported for use in markets with a demand for this product. The remainder of the liquid digestate will pass through a multi-stage filtration system. This is a physical separation process in which suspended solids are retained by membranes which allow purified liquid pass through as a permeate. When it meets the required quality it is then recirculated to the start of the AD process. The solids and salts that are recovered from each membrane are mixed into the fibre digestate and exported from the plant. The captured biogas will either be combusted in CHP engines to produce renewable heat and electricity or it will be upgraded to biomethane using biogas purification technology. The electricity will be exported to the national grid (up to 15MW) with the heat reused in the process, and any biomethane produced can either be injected into the gas network for use in heating and/or as a transport fuel, or can be transported off-site for use elsewhere. These end-use options may be combined depending on market demand and availability.
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Plant Design and Abatement Systems
The plant will be a state-of-the-art development utilising best available technologies and operating systems. Several abatement systems are incorporated into the plant design to minimise the potential for adverse impacts on the environment and human health. These include indoor delivery and handling of feedstock and its processing in an enclosed and sealed system, a multi-stage odour treatment process, and acoustic containment of engines and other noise generating equipment. In addition, operational areas of the site will beneďŹ t from an engineered containment system comprising an impermeable surface. Bunds and other means of containment will be provided for all tanks containing liquids whose spillage could be harmful to the environment. All process euent associated with incoming poultry litter together with any oor wash down in the process building will be contained. This will be drained to a central sump from where it will be recycled to the AD process. This containment engineering will prevent the release of potentially polluting liquids to surface water and groundwater.
Project Benefits
In addition to providing a solid foundation to support the economic viability of the important and significant Northern Ireland poultry sector, the proposed plant will also deliver several other important energy, climate, environment and social and economic benefits including: •
the utilisation of local resources to generate renewable energy and a valuable biofertiliser;
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AD sourced energy provides security of energy supply benefits. It further diversifies the national fuel mix, and reduces the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, the price of which is subject to global energy market trends;
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reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions through: •
replacing heat and electricity produced from fossil fuels;
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reducing nitrous oxide released into the atmosphere from the litter; and
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reducing the use of energy intensive fertilisers and replacing peat extraction;
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reduction in existing phosphorous surpluses in local soils which will result in water quality improvements in streams, rivers and lakes as the potential for nutrient enrichment in these waters lessens;
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reduction in ammonia emissions from agriculture;
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diversion of phosphorous and nitrogen from agriculture to markets with a demand for these nutrients creating a sustainable circular economy; and
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a significant capital investment of c.£70m, of which at least 50% will be invested in the local economy. During its two-year construction phase, the proposal will create 150 jobs with a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £15.5m. During its operational phase the proposal will create 45 direct jobs and will support a further 100 indirect jobs in supply chain support services. This equates to a GVA of c.£11.6m. It will also generate an annual operational expenditure of c.£6m, most of which will be invested in the local economy, and annual rates of c.£390k per annum.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The nature and scale of the project requires the proposed development to be the subject of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with studies currently in preparation. A brief summary of the findings to-date across the various environmental disciplines is provided below. Once the application is formally submitted, the final EIA will be available to view on the online planning portal and in hard copy at the local Planning Office and at a venue in the locality (expected to be Ballymena Library).
Air Quality and Odour
An Air Quality and Odour Assessment has been carried out for the proposed Phase II. This assessment considers specifically emissions from the CHP engines in relation to residential receptors, the odour control system and cumulative impact with Phase I of the development. From the assessment undertaken, it is concluded that predicted odour and air quality levels will comply with the applicable standards designed to protect human health and the wider environment. The mitigation measures incorporated into the site include a multi-stage odour treatment system and 40m stacks to allow adequate dispersion of treated air and engine emissions to ensure the standards will not be exceeded.
BNMAP 2015 Extract
Noise
A Noise Impact Assessment has been conducted for the proposed development which considers the predicted noise levels during construction and operation at the nearest noise sensitive receptors to the site. Potential noise sources associated with the development include the CHP engines, various pumps, blowers/fans and agitators as well as HGV movements to and from the site. External HGV movements will be limited to daytime hours only, from 7am to 7pm, with all other plant operating 24 hours per day. From the assessment undertaken, it is concluded that predicted noise levels will comply with the applicable standards and that there are no likely significant noise impacts associated with the proposed development.
Transport
The traffic generated by the proposed extension has been calculated based on proposed levels of feedstocks, digestate and consumables, and distributed on the local road network. In transport impact terms, the increases on the public road will be negligible (less than 5%). Notwithstanding, the provision of a right hand turn lane from Moorfields Road will mitigate any issues arising from traffic to the proposed extension.
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Hydrology
Ecology
The plant design incorporates rainwater harvesting to allow surface runoff to be used in the process. A detailed Drainage Assessment will form part of the EIA to demonstrate that any excess surface water runoff can be safely attenuated and discharged from the proposed development. Preliminary drainage design includes the construction of a bespoke stormwater drainage system that will discharge to an existing watercourse south of the proposed development, if required.
A series of surveys in relation to protected species such as bats, badgers and newts have been carried out in accordance with NIEA guidelines. It is considered, based on the survey findings, that the proposed development will have little influence on the baseline ecology and that no impacts will arise upon protected or priority habitats or species, designated areas, or valued ecological receptors.
In respect of flood risk, a review of the DfI Rivers fluvial strategic map indicates that none of the application site lies within the indicative 100 year return period fluvial floodplain from any local watercourses.
Drainage plan extract
Active quarry and spoil habitats (consisting of areas of bare ground and aggregates compounded to various grades) dominate the proposal site. These habitats are generally devoid of vegetation and are of low biodiversity value.
Landscape and Visual
The tallest elements of the CAD Plant, the tanks and stacks will be visible in glimpse views from incidental locations on Moorfields Road and Craigadoo Road but, in general, the effects will be of a slight and non-significant nature given the site context.
The discreet location recessed in a quarry and clustered next to the existing plant lends itself to this type of development. The siting takes advantage of the excavated quarry floor and quarry faces as a backdrop to site the taller stacks and tanks, which along with the boundary treatment of berms and planting, integrates the development into the landform as sensitively as possible.
Existing landscaped berms which are proposed to be augmented with additional planting assist to provide screening and ensure that these effects are minimised.
The proposed development is set within a cluster of existing large-scale industrial land uses and adjacent to key road infrastructure. The wider landscape is quite rural in character.
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Cultural Heritage
The desktop survey and site inspection have revealed no known archaeological or historical sites within the application site, and fairly limited potential in the local vicinity. Much of the potential for any previously unknown, subsurface archaeological remains to survive here has been removed by the quarrying which has occurred on site. A small section of the site may be undisturbed ground and within this area there remains the potential for archaeological deposits to be identiďŹ ed. This section of the site consists of the lands extending parallel to the Craigdoo Road which forms the northern boundary of the red line area. Works in this area will consist of the creation of a berm and tree planting and as such will have no impact upon any potential underlying archaeological deposits. The desk top survey identiďŹ ed a small number of known archaeological monuments within the wider region, only two of which have any upstanding remains. There will be limited inter-visibility between these monuments and the plant, therefore the operation of the proposed development will not impact upon the setting of these monuments.
Material Assets
Consultations have taken place with NIE and the Health and Safety Executive NI in respect of viable grid connection options, the site’s relationship with the existing quarry, the potential requirement for Hazardous Substances Consent (HSC) and Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) thresholds.
Sites and Monuments Record in relation to the application site
The volume of chemicals stored (both input and output) at the facility has been assessed against the relevant Regulations and it is concluded that that all proposed storage volumes are significantly below the thresholds at which these Regulations apply.
part of the current drainage system. A water quality monitoring programme will be maintained to meet the requirements of the discharge consent licence and will be updated as required to meet any further requirements set out by the NIEA.
Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology
The EIA provides a high-level assessment of the GHG emissions associated with the proposed CAD facility and the comparison of these to the baseline of conventional treatment of chicken litter and layer hen manure by direct application to land.
The analysis of the predicted impacts of the proposed Phase II development on soils, geology and aquifers during construction and operation has been informed by a desktop study, site walkover and information gathered during construction of the Phase I site including drilling of production and monitoring wells and subsequent groundwater assessment works. A groundwater management plan will be implemented to cater for the dewatering and storage/disposal of the groundwater during the construction phase of the below ground elements of Phase II (feedstock reception bunker and attenuation/storage tank). If sufficient volumes of groundwater are encountered during the bedrock excavation works for the feedstock bunker and attenuation/storage tank it is proposed that it will be utilised for process water in the Phase I plant operating onsite. Any surplus water will be discharged through the stormwater attenuation system and discharged off site under a discharge consent licence. All drainage from the Phase II site will involve use of bypass interceptors, bunds and attenuation tanks in order to control discharge flows prior to being transferred to the existing on-site lagoons that are
Climate Change
The operational assessment concludes that the facility will result in a net saving compared to the baseline of landspreading of between 47,100 and 108,900 tonnes CO2e per annum, depending on the final choice of energy production (i.e. export to grid or biogas upgrade).
Population and Human Health
The EIA includes an assessment of potential impacts on human health which considers conventional health impacts such as disease, accidents and risk, along with wider socio-economic health determinants vital to achieving good health and wellbeing. It draws from and builds upon other assessments undertaken such as air quality, noise and transport to communicate the potential influence upon health. It is concluded that on the basis that the relevant assessments have not identified any unacceptable or adverse impacts, there will be no measurable impact on human health at the population level. . 17
Draft
Mechanical stirrer
Guarding structure to be steel galvanised tubular handrails, walkway and treads to be galvanised chequered plate
Guarding structure to be steel galvanised tubular handrails, walkway and treads to be galvanised chequered plate
Access ladder stucture to be galvanised steel with galvanised tubular handrails and treads
Trapezoidal profiled metal cladding fixed to external side of tank, painted: Grey, Ral 9002
Proposed Elevation
Proposed Elevation
scale 1:200
Proposed Elevation
scale 1:200
scale 1:200
Gas storage tank
CHP Engine Room building
T101-T108 Primary Digester 9500 m3 Diameter 24.460m Casing Height 21.77m Total Height 25.36m
Proposed Elevation scale 1:200
Proposed Primary Digester Proposed Plan scale 1:200
1:200
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NOTES
LEGEND
Amendments
Date
2. ALL DRAWINGS ISSUED PRIOR TO THE RELEVANT PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED ARE TO BE DEEMED PRELIMINARY. ANY WORKS CARRIED OUT BASED ON PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS ARE ENTIRELY AT THE CLIENTS RISK. VISION DESIGN CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL WORKS/EXPENSE INCURRED ON THIS BASIS
Proposed Sections
Primary Digester Tank Plan, Section and Elevations
Tully Quarry, Moorfields Road Ballymena
1. © COPYRIGHT RESTS WITH VISION DESIGN THIS DRAWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WHOLELY OR IN PART WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VISION DESIGN
Proposed CAD & CHP Plant Extension 31 Rainey Street Magherafelt N. Ireland BT45 5DA visiondesign.org.uk tel: 028 7930 0866
2972 - SP19 -
Scale
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Revision Drawn By Chkd By
Date
Comments
1-200 / A1
Date
Dec 2017
SUMMARY Measures will be taken to ensure that:
Odour Control System
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There will be no demonstrable harm to residential amenity by way of noise or odour;
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The proposal will not pose any environmental risk to air quality or human health;
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There will be no unacceptable adverse impact on nature conservation interests;
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The proposed site is not at risk of flooding and the proposal will not cause or exacerbate flooding elsewhere;
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There will be no potential adverse impact on water resources: and
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The access to the site and the nature and frequency of associated traffic movements will not prejudice the safety and convenience of road users or constitute a nuisance to neighbouring residents by virtue of noise, dirt and dust – notably the proposal seeks to upgrade existing access arrangements.
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WHO ARE STREAM BIOENERGY? Stream BioEnergy is an independent, Irish owned energy development company that promotes anaerobic digestion technology to generate renewable energy from organic materials. Stream covers all aspects of development from project conception, planning, ďŹ nancing and construction, through to operation. The company’s management team has extensive experience of developing and operating renewable energy infrastructure throughout Europe. Stream is proposing to utilise AD technology to generate renewable energy from poultry litter in Northern Ireland whilst managing the valuable nutrients contained in the litter in an environmentally sustainable manner. Stream has built the Phase I plant which has been operating for 3.5 years. The Phase I plant generates 3MWe from up to 40,000 tonnes of poultry litter per annum. The proposed extension would cater fully for the poultry industry where the challenge of managing litter and manure in a more environmentally sustainable way remains.
THE TEAM A team of highly experienced and reliable professionals has been assembled to advise on all aspects of Phase II as follows:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Following this further public consultation period, your welcomed feedback will be taken in to consideration and the proposal finalised. A formal planning application will be submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in due course. Once submitted, the opportunity for further public engagement in the decision making process will take place in the normal manner through the submission of representations to the Council following the application’s advertisement and neighbour notification procedures. If you’d like to provide us with feedback please e-mail clare@clydeshanks.com or alternatively write to the office address – Clyde Shanks, 2nd Floor 7 Exchange Place, Belfast BT1 2NA.
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2nd Floor 7 Exchange Place Belfast BT1 2NA t | 028 9043 4393 clydeshanks.com