Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2010)
The IED has become an active directive and has changed the BREF status to mandatory and so these BREFs will now become the base line for Industrial process licensing which is granted locally to manufacturers in each European country. Importantly this now includes maximum allowable emissions.
Sealing Technology
This change in the IED is why the ESA Sealing Technology reference document has now become an urgent task for the ESA divisions. The document needs to be updated into a concise version that can be included within BREF conclusions and reflect the IED 2010 rules, and inform users on expected maximum leakage rates for correctly selected and installed sealing devices.
Progress has been slow to date. Daniel Bissett, of Gore, has published their version of the Gaskets section, and the suggestion is that this might be used as a template for other divisions to revise their section.
Methane reduction in North America
There has been activity among some US states (California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Colorado) and Canada to change the existing Methane emissions regulations. Specifically the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has announced it will reduce Methane emissions by 45% by 2025 as measured against the 2012 level of emissions. The ECCC published proposed new regulations in early 2017.
The FSA has officially responded to this proposed regulation, detailing how each type of sealing device, correctly selected and installed, can play a huge part in achieving the reduction in Methane emissions.
The FSA further analyses specific areas where new targets are being set, and have observed that targets being set are too weak when sealing technology can already deliver better emissions control. They are also advocating LADR and Installation and Repair training for technicians.
Waste Gas from Chemicals WGC BREF
ESA is actively engaged with progress with the WGC BREF which held its first technical review meeting in Seville, Spain from 25th to 29th September.
The scope of the BREF has been subject to public feedback, which has been received from most European countries and some European agencies. The initial scope included 62 chemicals where emissions should be subject to regulations within the BREF. The kick off meeting has reduced this number significantly, and crucially has added for the first time in a BREF diffuse fugitive emissions (other than those planned to be flared or sent to flues).
This should give ESA a real opportunity to input via the BATIS system and make a positive contribution on the technical questionnaire, and become a source of expertise in reducing fugitive emissions. Interestingly the technical working group chose to exclude noise and odour from the scope. The actions include a specific action to “reduce emissions to air for specific products and processes”
David Mitchell, Standard and Legislation Director
Read also other parts of the Standards and Legislation report: