This document outlines the Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for waste treatment, as mandated by Annex I of the European Union’s Directive 2010/75/EU. These BAT conclusions serve as a benchmark for industries across Europe, aiming to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable waste management practices. This guide is essential for operators, regulators, and anyone involved in the waste treatment sector seeking to understand and implement the highest standards of environmental performance within the EU framework.
Scope of BAT Conclusions for Waste Treatment
These BAT conclusions are applicable to a wide range of waste management activities, specifically those detailed in Annex I of Directive 2010/75/EU. These activities, dealing with both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, include:
-
Hazardous Waste Treatment (Capacity > 10 tonnes per day):
- Biological treatment
- Physico-chemical treatment
- Blending or mixing prior to further treatment
- Repackaging before further treatment
- Solvent reclamation/regeneration
- Recycling/reclamation of inorganic materials (excluding metals and metal compounds)
- Regeneration of acids or bases
- Recovery of pollution abatement components
- Recovery of components from catalysts
- Oil re-refining and other oil reuses
-
Non-Hazardous Waste Treatment (Capacity > 50 tonnes per day for disposal, > 75 tonnes per day for recovery):
- Biological treatment
- Physico-chemical treatment
- Pre-treatment for incineration or co-incineration
- Treatment of ashes
- Treatment in shredders of metal waste (including WEEE and ELVs)
- Note: For anaerobic digestion as the sole activity, the capacity threshold is 100 tonnes per day.
-
Temporary Storage of Hazardous Waste: Storage exceeding 50 tonnes, pending activities listed above.
-
Independently Operated Waste Water Treatment: Treatment of wastewater from installations undertaking the activities listed above, not covered by Directive 91/271/EEC. This also includes combined wastewater treatment if the primary pollution load originates from these activities.
Activities Excluded from These BAT Conclusions
It’s important to note that these BAT conclusions do not cover certain related activities, which may be addressed by other specific BAT conclusions or directives:
- Surface impoundment
- Animal carcass or animal waste disposal/recycling covered by BAT conclusions on slaughterhouses and animal by-products industries.
- On-farm manure processing covered by BAT conclusions for intensive rearing of poultry or pigs.
- Direct waste recovery as raw material substitutes in other BAT-covered installations (e.g., non-ferrous metals industries, pulp and paper production, cement kilns).
- Waste (co-)incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification covered by BAT conclusions for waste incineration or large combustion plants.
- Landfill of waste, regulated by Council Directive 1999/31/EC.
- In-situ remediation of contaminated soil.
- Treatment of slags and bottom ashes (potentially covered by BAT conclusions for waste incineration or large combustion plants).
- Smelting of scrap metals and metal-bearing materials (potentially covered by BAT conclusions for non-ferrous metals industries, iron and steel production, or smitheries and foundries).
- Regeneration of spent acids and alkalis covered by BAT conclusions for ferrous metals processing.
- Combustion of fuels not directly contacting waste (potentially covered by BAT conclusions for large combustion plants or Directive (EU) 2015/2193).
Relevant Cross-Referenced BAT Conclusions and Reference Documents
For a comprehensive approach, operators should also consider other relevant BAT conclusions and reference documents:
- Economics and cross-media effects (ECM)
- Emissions from storage (EFS)
- Energy efficiency (ENE)
- Monitoring of emissions to air and water from IED installations (ROM)
- Production of cement, lime and magnesium oxide (CLM)
- Common waste water and waste gas treatment/management systems in the chemical sector (CWW)
- Intensive rearing of poultry or pigs (IRPP)
These BAT conclusions are applied without overriding existing EU legislation, including the waste hierarchy.
Key Definitions for Waste Treatment BAT
To ensure clarity, several terms are defined within these BAT conclusions:
General Terms:
- Channelled Emissions: Emissions through ducts, pipes, stacks, including open-top biofilters.
- Continuous Measurement: Automated, on-site, permanent measurement systems.
- Declaration of Cleanliness: Certification from waste producer confirming empty packaging meets acceptance criteria.
- Diffuse Emissions: Non-channelled emissions (dust, odour, VOCs) from area or point sources, including open-air windrow composting.
- Direct Discharge: Discharge to receiving water body without further downstream treatment.
- Emissions Factors: Data used to estimate emissions based on plant/process data.
- Existing Plant: Plant not classified as a new plant.
- Flaring: High-temperature oxidation of waste gases with open flame for safety or non-routine conditions.
- Fly Ashes: Particles from combustion chambers or flue-gas streams.
- Fugitive Emissions: Diffuse emissions from point sources.
- Hazardous Waste: As defined in Directive 2008/98/EC.
- Indirect Discharge: Discharge not directly to a receiving water body.
- Liquid Biodegradable Waste: Biological origin waste with high water content (e.g., catering waste, organic sludges).
- Major Plant Upgrade: Significant design or technology change involving major equipment adjustments or replacements.
- Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT): Mixed solid waste treatment combining mechanical and biological processes (aerobic or anaerobic).
- New Plant: Plant permitted after BAT conclusions publication or complete plant replacement post-publication.
- Output: Treated waste exiting the plant.
- Pasty Waste: Non-free-flowing sludge.
- Periodic Measurement: Measurement at specific intervals using manual or automated methods.
- Recovery: As defined in Directive 2008/98/EC.
- Re-refining: Waste oil treatments to produce base oil.
- Regeneration: Processes to make treated materials (e.g., spent solvents, activated carbon) suitable for similar reuse.
- Sensitive Receptor: Areas needing special protection (residential, workplaces, schools, hospitals, etc.).
- Surface Impoundment: Placement of liquid or sludgy waste in pits, ponds, lagoons.
- Treatment of Waste with Calorific Value: Treatment of waste wood, plastics, solvents etc., to obtain fuel or improve calorific value recovery.
- VFCs: Volatile (hydro)fluorocarbons (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs).
- VHCs: Volatile hydrocarbons (ethane, propane etc.).
- VOC: Volatile organic compound as defined in Directive 2010/75/EU.
- Waste Holder: As defined in Directive 2008/98/EC.
- Waste Input: Incoming waste for treatment.
- Water-Based Liquid Waste: Aqueous liquids, acids/alkalis, pumpable sludges (excluding liquid biodegradable waste).
Pollutants/Parameters:
- AOX: Adsorbable organically bound halogens (Cl, Br, I).
- Arsenic (As): Total arsenic compounds.
- BOD: Biochemical oxygen demand.
- Cadmium (Cd): Total cadmium compounds.
- CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons.
- Chromium (Cr): Total chromium compounds.
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)): Chromium compounds with +6 oxidation state.
- COD: Chemical oxygen demand.
- Copper (Cu): Total copper compounds.
- Cyanide (CN-): Free cyanide.
- Dust: Total particulate matter in air.
- HOI: Hydrocarbon oil index.
- HCl: Gaseous inorganic chlorine compounds.
- HF: Gaseous inorganic fluorine compounds.
- H2S: Hydrogen sulphide.
- Lead (Pb): Total lead compounds.
- Mercury (Hg): Total mercury compounds.
- NH3: Ammonia.
- Nickel (Ni): Total nickel compounds.
- Odour Concentration: European Odour Units (ouE) per cubic meter.
- PCB: Polychlorinated biphenyl.
- Dioxin-like PCBs: PCBs listed in Commission Regulation (EC) No 199/2006.
- PCDD/F: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans.
- PFOA: Perfluorooctanoic acid.
- PFOS: Perfluorooctanesulphonic acid.
- Phenol Index: Sum of phenolic compounds.
- TOC: Total organic carbon.
- Total N: Total nitrogen.
- Total P: Total phosphorus.
- TSS: Total suspended solids.
- TVOC: Total volatile organic carbon in air.
- Zinc (Zn): Total zinc compounds.
Acronyms:
- EMS: Environmental management system
- EoLVs: End-of-life vehicles
- HEPA: High-efficiency particle air (filter)
- IBC: Intermediate bulk container
- LDAR: Leak detection and repair
- LEV: Local exhaust ventilation system
- POP: Persistent organic pollutant
- WEEE: Waste electrical and electronic equipment
General Considerations for BAT Implementation
The techniques detailed in these BAT conclusions are guidelines, not prescriptions. Equivalent environmental protection levels can be achieved using alternative techniques. BAT conclusions are generally applicable unless specified otherwise.
Emission Levels Associated with BAT (BAT-AELs)
Emissions to Air: BAT-AELs for air emissions are concentrations (mass/volume) under standard conditions: dry gas, 273.15 K, 101.3 kPa, without oxygen correction, in μg/Nm3 or mg/Nm3. Averaging periods are defined for continuous (daily average) and periodic (average over sampling period) measurements.
Emissions to Water: BAT-AELs for water emissions are concentrations (mass/volume) in μg/l or mg/l. Averaging periods are daily averages for continuous discharge and averages over release duration for batch discharge. BAT-AELs for water apply at the point of emission leaving the installation.
Abatement Efficiency: Calculation of average abatement efficiency for COD and TOC excludes initial treatment steps focused on bulk organic content separation (e.g., evapo-condensation, emulsion breaking).
1. General BAT Conclusions
1.1. Overall Environmental Performance
BAT 1: Implement and Adhere to an Environmental Management System (EMS)
To enhance overall environmental performance, BAT is to implement and maintain an EMS incorporating:
I. Management commitment, including senior management.
II. Environmental policy for continuous environmental performance improvement.
III. Planning and procedures, objectives, and targets aligned with financial planning.
IV. Implementation of procedures focusing on:
- (a) Structure and responsibility
- (b) Recruitment, training, awareness, and competence
- (c) Communication
- (d) Employee involvement
- (e) Documentation
- (f) Effective process control
- (g) Maintenance programmes
- (h) Emergency preparedness and response
- (i) Compliance with environmental legislation
V. Performance checking and corrective actions: - (a) Monitoring and measurement (see JRC ROM report)
- (b) Corrective and preventive action
- (c) Record maintenance
- (d) Independent internal/external auditing
VI. Senior management review of EMS suitability and effectiveness.
VII. Adoption of cleaner technologies.
VIII. Consideration of decommissioning environmental impacts during plant design and operation.
IX. Regular sectoral benchmarking.
X. Waste stream management (BAT 2).
XI. Inventory of wastewater and waste gas streams (BAT 3).
XII. Residues management plan (Section 6.5).
XIII. Accident management plan (Section 6.5).
XIV. Odour management plan (BAT 12).
XV. Noise and vibration management plan (BAT 17).
Applicability: EMS scope and nature should be proportionate to the installation’s complexity, scale, and environmental impacts.
BAT 2: Enhance Plant Environmental Performance through Key Techniques
To improve overall environmental performance, BAT is to employ all of the following techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| a. Waste Characterization and Pre-acceptance Procedures | Ensure technical and legal suitability of waste treatment before arrival. Includes information collection, waste sampling, and characterization based on risk assessment (hazardous properties, process/occupational safety, environmental impact). |
| b. Waste Acceptance Procedures | Confirm waste characteristics identified in pre-acceptance. Define verification elements upon arrival, acceptance/rejection criteria, potentially including sampling, inspection, and analysis, based on risk assessment. |
| c. Waste Tracking System and Inventory | Track waste location and quantity within the plant. Record pre-acceptance information, arrival details, analysis results, treatment route, waste nature and quantity, and identified hazards, based on risk assessment. |
| d. Output Quality Management System | Implement a system to ensure treated waste output meets expectations and EN standards. Monitor and optimize treatment performance, potentially including material flow analysis based on risk assessment. |
| e. Waste Segregation | Keep waste separated by properties for safer storage and treatment. Physical separation and procedures to identify waste storage locations. |
| f. Waste Compatibility Prior to Mixing/Blending | Verify compatibility through measures and tests to detect dangerous chemical reactions (polymerization, gas evolution, etc.) when mixing or blending, based on risk assessment. |
| g. Sort Incoming Solid Waste | Prevent unwanted materials from entering treatment processes. Methods include manual separation, ferrous/non-ferrous/all-metals separation, optical separation, density separation, and size separation. |
BAT 3: Inventory of Waste Water and Waste Gas Streams for Emission Reduction
To facilitate emission reduction, BAT is to establish and maintain an inventory of wastewater and waste gas streams within the EMS (BAT 1), including:
(i) Waste and Treatment Process Information:
- (a) Simplified process flow sheets showing emission origins.
- (b) Descriptions of process-integrated techniques and source treatment performances.
(ii) Waste Water Stream Characteristics:
- (a) Average values and variability of flow, pH, temperature, conductivity.
- (b) Average concentration and load values of relevant substances (COD/TOC, nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, priority substances) and their variability.
- (c) Bioeliminability data (BOD, BOD/COD ratio, Zahn-Wellens test, biological inhibition potential) (BAT 52).
(iii) Waste Gas Stream Characteristics:
- (a) Average values and variability of flow and temperature.
- (b) Average concentration and load values of relevant substances (organic compounds, POPs like PCBs) and variability.
- (c) Flammability, explosive limits, reactivity.
- (d) Presence of substances affecting gas treatment or plant safety (oxygen, water vapor, dust).
Applicability: Inventory scope and nature should be proportionate to the installation’s complexity, scale, and environmental impacts.
BAT 4: Reduce Environmental Risk of Waste Storage
To minimize storage-related environmental risks, BAT is to use all of the following techniques:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Optimized Storage Location | Locate storage as far from sensitive receptors and watercourses as feasible. Minimize unnecessary waste handling and transport distances within the plant. | Generally applicable to new plants. |
| b. Adequate Storage Capacity | Avoid waste accumulation by establishing and monitoring maximum storage capacity based on waste characteristics and treatment capacity. Define maximum waste residence time. | Generally applicable. |
| c. Safe Storage Operation | Document and label loading, unloading, and storage equipment. Protect sensitive wastes from heat, light, air, water. Use fit-for-purpose and secure containers/drums. | Generally applicable. |
| d. Separate Area for Packaged Hazardous Waste | Use a dedicated area for storage and handling of packaged hazardous waste when relevant. | Generally applicable. |
BAT 5: Reduce Environmental Risk of Waste Handling and Transfer
To minimize risks from handling and transfer, BAT is to establish and implement handling and transfer procedures, including:
- Handling and transfer by competent staff.
- Duly documented, validated, and verified procedures.
- Measures to prevent, detect, and mitigate spills.
- Operation and design precautions when mixing or blending wastes (e.g., vacuuming dusty wastes).
Procedures should be risk-based, considering accident likelihood and environmental impact.
1.2. Monitoring
BAT 6: Monitor Key Process Parameters for Water Emissions
For relevant water emissions identified in the inventory (BAT 3), BAT is to monitor key process parameters (flow, pH, temperature, conductivity, BOD) at key locations (pretreatment inlet/outlet, final treatment inlet, emission point).
BAT 7: Monitor Emissions to Water with Specified Frequency
BAT is to monitor water emissions at least at the given frequencies, according to EN standards (or ISO, national, or international standards of equivalent quality).
| Substance/parameter | Standard(s) | Waste treatment process | Minimum monitoring frequency | Monitoring associated with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AOX | EN ISO 9562 | Water-based liquid waste treatment | Daily | BAT 20 |
| BTEX | EN ISO 15680 | Water-based liquid waste treatment | Monthly | |
| COD | No EN standard | All except water-based liquid waste | Monthly | |
| COD | No EN standard | Water-based liquid waste | Daily | |
| Free Cyanide (CN-) | EN ISO 14403-1, -2 | Water-based liquid waste treatment | Daily | |
| HOI | EN ISO 9377-2 | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, soil washing, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| Metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) | Various EN standards | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, MBT, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, solid/pasty waste, solvent regeneration, soil washing, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| Manganese (Mn) | Water-based liquid waste treatment | Daily | ||
| Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) | EN ISO 10304-3, EN ISO 23913 | Water-based liquid waste treatment | Daily | |
| Mercury (Hg) | EN ISO 17852, EN ISO 12846 | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, MBT, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, solid/pasty waste, solvent regeneration, soil washing, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| PFOA | No EN standard | All waste treatments | Bi-annually | |
| PFOS | No EN standard | All waste treatments | Bi-annually | |
| Phenol Index | EN ISO 14402 | Oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| Total Nitrogen (Total N) | EN 12260, EN ISO 11905-1 | Biological treatment, oil re-refining, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| TOC | EN 1484 | All except water-based liquid waste | Monthly | |
| TOC | EN 1484 | Water-based liquid waste | Daily | |
| Total Phosphorus (Total P) | Various EN standards | Biological treatment, water-based liquid waste | Monthly (except daily for water-based liquid waste) | |
| TSS | EN 872 | All except water-based liquid waste | Monthly | |
| TSS | EN 872 | Water-based liquid waste | Daily |
BAT 8: Monitor Channelled Emissions to Air with Specified Frequency
BAT is to monitor channelled air emissions at least at the given frequencies, according to EN standards (or ISO, national, or international standards of equivalent quality).
| Substance/Parameter | Standard(s) | Waste treatment process | Minimum monitoring frequency | Monitoring associated with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brominated flame retardants | No EN standard | Metal shredders | Annually | BAT 25 |
| CFCs | No EN standard | WEEE/VHCs treatment | Bi-annually | BAT 29 |
| Dioxin-like PCBs | EN 1948-1, -2, -4 | Metal shredders, PCB decontamination | Annually (quarterly for PCB decontamination) | BAT 25, BAT 51 |
| Dust | EN 13284-1 | Mechanical treatment, MBT, solid/pasty physico-chemical, thermal treatment, soil washing | Bi-annually | BAT 25, BAT 34, BAT 41, BAT 49, BAT 50 |
| HCl | EN 1911 | Thermal treatment, water-based liquid waste | Bi-annually | BAT 49, BAT 53 |
| HF | No EN standard | Thermal treatment | Bi-annually | BAT 49 |
| Hg | EN 13211 | WEEE mercury treatment | Quarterly | BAT 32 |
| H2S | No EN standard | Biological treatment | Bi-annually | BAT 34 |
| Metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V) | EN 14385 | Metal shredders | Annually | BAT 25 |
| NH3 | No EN standard | Biological treatment, solid/pasty physico-chemical, water-based liquid waste | Bi-annually | BAT 34, BAT 41, BAT 53 |
| Odour Concentration | EN 13725 | Biological treatment | Bi-annually | BAT 34 |
| PCDD/F | EN 1948-1, -2, -3 | Metal shredders | Annually | BAT 25 |
| TVOC | EN 12619 | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, waste with calorific value, MBT, solid/pasty physico-chemical, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, solvent regeneration, thermal treatment, soil washing, water-based liquid waste, PCB decontamination | Bi-annually (quarterly for PCB decontamination) | BAT 25, BAT 29, BAT 31, BAT 34, BAT 41, BAT 44, BAT 45, BAT 47, BAT 49, BAT 50, BAT 53, BAT 51 |
BAT 9: Monitor Diffuse Emissions of Organic Compounds to Air
For solvent regeneration, PCB decontamination with solvents, and physico-chemical treatment of solvents for calorific value recovery, BAT is to monitor diffuse organic compound emissions at least annually, using:
- a. Measurement (sniffing, optical gas imaging, solar occultation flux, differential absorption)
- b. Emissions factors (validated by measurements bi-annually)
- c. Mass balance (considering solvent input, channelled emissions, water emissions, process output solvent, residues)
BAT 10: Periodically Monitor Odour Emissions
BAT is to periodically monitor odour emissions using EN standards (dynamic olfactometry, odour exposure determination) or equivalent ISO, national, or international standards. Monitoring frequency is defined in the odour management plan (BAT 12).
Applicability: Only when odour nuisance at sensitive receptors is expected or substantiated.
BAT 11: Monitor Annual Consumption and Generation
BAT is to monitor annual consumption of water, energy, raw materials, and annual generation of residues and wastewater, at least annually. Monitoring includes direct measurements, calculations, or records, broken down appropriately and considering significant plant changes.
1.3. Emissions to Air
BAT 12: Implement and Regularly Review an Odour Management Plan
To prevent or reduce odour emissions, BAT is to implement and regularly review an odour management plan within the EMS (BAT 1), including:
- Protocol with actions and timelines.
- Protocol for odour monitoring (BAT 10).
- Protocol for response to odour incidents (complaints).
- Odour prevention and reduction programme to identify sources, characterize contributions, and implement measures.
Applicability: Only when odour nuisance at sensitive receptors is expected or substantiated.
BAT 13: Techniques to Prevent or Reduce Odour Emissions
To prevent or reduce odour emissions, BAT is to use one or a combination of:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Minimizing Residence Times | Minimize residence time of odorous waste in storage/handling, especially under anaerobic conditions. Adequate provisions for seasonal peak volumes. | Open systems only. |
| b. Chemical Treatment | Use chemicals to destroy or reduce odorous compound formation (oxidation, precipitation of hydrogen sulphide). | Not if it hampers output quality. |
| c. Optimizing Aerobic Treatment | For water-based liquid waste: pure oxygen, scum removal, aeration system maintenance. For other waste, see BAT 36. | Generally applicable. |
BAT 14: Reduce Diffuse Emissions to Air
To prevent or reduce diffuse emissions (dust, organic compounds, odour), BAT is to use an appropriate combination of:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Minimizing Emission Sources | Piping layout optimization, gravity transfer, limiting drop height and traffic speed, wind barriers. | Generally applicable. |
| b. High-Integrity Equipment | Double-sealed valves, high-integrity gaskets, mechanical seals for pumps/compressors/agitators, magnetically driven pumps/compressors/agitators, appropriate service hose access ports. | Existing plants may have operability restrictions. |
| c. Corrosion Prevention | Material selection, equipment lining/coating, pipe painting with corrosion inhibitors. | Generally applicable. |
| d. Containment, Collection, and Treatment | Enclosed buildings/equipment for waste storage/handling. Maintaining pressure, collecting emissions for abatement. | Safety (explosion/oxygen depletion) and waste volume may restrict enclosed systems. |
| e. Dampening | Dampening dust sources (storage, traffic, handling) with water or fog. | Generally applicable. |
| f. Maintenance | Ensuring access to leaky equipment, regular control of protective equipment. | Generally applicable. |
| g. Cleaning of Areas | Regular cleaning of treatment/storage areas, conveyor belts, equipment, containers. | Generally applicable. |
| h. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programme | Implement LDAR programme for organic compound emissions using risk-based approach. | Generally applicable. |
BAT 14d is especially relevant based on waste risk.
BAT 15: Flaring Only for Safety and Non-Routine Conditions
BAT is to use flaring only for safety or non-routine conditions (start-ups, shutdowns) by using both:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Correct Plant Design | Gas recovery system with sufficient capacity, high-integrity relief valves. | New plants generally, retrofit possible for existing plants. |
| b. Plant Management | Gas system balancing, advanced process control. | Generally applicable. |
BAT 16: Reduce Emissions from Flares
To reduce flare emissions when unavoidable, BAT is to use both:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Correct Design of Flaring Devices | Optimize height, pressure, steam/air/gas assistance, flare tips for smokeless and efficient combustion. | New flares generally, existing plants may have maintenance restrictions. |
| b. Monitoring and Recording | Continuous monitoring of gas quantity to flaring. Potential estimation of gas composition, heat content, assistance ratio, pollutant emissions, noise. Recording flaring events (duration, number) for quantification and prevention. | Generally applicable. |
1.4. Noise and Vibrations
BAT 17: Implement and Regularly Review a Noise and Vibration Management Plan
To prevent or reduce noise and vibration emissions, BAT is to implement and regularly review a noise and vibration management plan within the EMS (BAT 1), including:
I. Protocol with actions and timelines.
II. Protocol for noise and vibration monitoring.
III. Protocol for response to noise and vibration events (complaints).
IV. Noise and vibration reduction programme to identify sources, measure/estimate exposure, characterize contributions, and implement measures.
Applicability: Only when noise or vibration nuisance at sensitive receptors is expected or substantiated.
BAT 18: Techniques to Prevent or Reduce Noise and Vibration Emissions
To prevent or reduce noise and vibration emissions, BAT is to use one or a combination of:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Appropriate Location | Increase distance, use buildings as screens, relocate building exits/entrances. | Relocation may be restricted for existing plants. |
| b. Operational Measures | Equipment inspection/maintenance, closing doors/windows, experienced staff operation, avoiding noisy night activities, noise control provisions during maintenance/traffic/handling/treatment. | Generally applicable. |
| c. Low-Noise Equipment | Direct drive motors, compressors, pumps, flares. | |
| d. Noise and Vibration Control Equipment | Noise reducers, acoustic/vibrational insulation, enclosure of noisy equipment, building soundproofing. | Space restrictions for existing plants. |
| e. Noise Attenuation | Obstacles between emitters and receivers (protection walls, embankments, buildings). | Existing plants, new plants should design to avoid. Space restrictions for existing plants. For metal shredders, applicable within deflagration risk constraints. |
1.5. Emissions to Water
BAT 19: Optimize Water Consumption and Reduce Water Emissions
To optimize water consumption and reduce water/soil emissions, BAT is to use an appropriate combination of:
| Technique | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| a. Water Management | Water-saving plans, optimized washing water use (dry cleaning, trigger controls), reduced water use for vacuum generation (liquid ring pumps with high boiling point liquids). | Generally applicable. |
| b. Water Recirculation | Recirculate water streams within the plant, potentially after treatment, limited by water balance, impurities, and water stream characteristics. | Generally applicable. |
| c. Impermeable Surface | Impermeable surface for waste treatment area based on soil/water contamination risks. | Generally applicable. |
| d. Overflow and Failure Prevention | Overflow detectors, overflow pipes to contained drainage, secondary containment for tanks, tank/vessel/containment isolation. | Generally applicable. |
| e. Roofing of Areas | Covered waste storage/treatment to prevent rainwater contact and minimize contaminated runoff, based on soil/water contamination risks. | Volume constraints for large waste treatments. |
| f. Segregation of Water Streams | Separate collection and treatment of water streams (surface runoff, process water) based on pollutant content. Segregation of uncontaminated water streams. | New plants generally, existing plants with water collection layout constraints. |
| g. Adequate Drainage Infrastructure | Connection to drainage infrastructure. Rainwater collection with treatment or recirculation based on pollutant content. | New plants generally, existing plants with water drainage layout constraints. |
| h. Leak Detection and Repair Provisions | Regular risk-based leakage monitoring and repair. Minimize underground components, secondary containment for underground components. | Above-ground components generally for new plants (freezing risk limitation). Secondary containment limitations for existing plants. |
| i. Buffer Storage Capacity | Buffer storage for wastewater from non-normal conditions, risk-based approach. Discharge after measures (monitor, treat, reuse). | New plants generally, existing plants with space and water collection layout constraints. |
BAT 20: Treat Waste Water to Reduce Emissions
To reduce water emissions, BAT is to treat wastewater using an appropriate combination of:
| Technique | Typical pollutants targeted | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary and Primary Treatment: | ||
| a. Equalisation | All pollutants | Generally applicable. |
| b. Neutralisation | Acids, alkalis | |
| c. Physical separation (screens, sieves, grit/grease separators, oil-water separation, primary settlement) | Gross solids, suspended solids, oil/grease | |
| Physico-chemical Treatment: | ||
| d. Adsorption | Non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (hydrocarbons, mercury, AOX) | Generally applicable. |
| e. Distillation/rectification | Distillable non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (some solvents) | |
| f. Precipitation | Precipitable non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (metals, phosphorus) | |
| g. Chemical oxidation | Oxidisable non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (nitrite, cyanide) | |
| h. Chemical reduction | Reducible non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (hexavalent chromium) | |
| i. Evaporation | Soluble contaminants | |
| j. Ion exchange | Ionic non-biodegradable/inhibitory pollutants (metals) | |
| k. Stripping | Purgeable pollutants (H2S, NH3, some AOX, hydrocarbons) | |
| Biological Treatment: | ||
| l. Activated sludge process | Biodegradable organic compounds | Generally applicable. |
| m. Membrane bioreactor | Biodegradable organic compounds, nitrogen removal | |
| n. Nitrification/denitrification (if biological treatment is used) | Total nitrogen, ammonia | Nitrification limitations: high chloride (>10 g/l), low wastewater temperature (<12 °C). |
| Solids Removal: | ||
| o. Coagulation and flocculation | Suspended solids, particulate-bound metals | Generally applicable. |
| p. Sedimentation | Suspended solids, particulate-bound metals | |
| q. Filtration (sand, micro, ultrafiltration) | Suspended solids, particulate-bound metals | |
| r. Flotation | Suspended solids, particulate-bound metals |
Table 6.1: BAT-AELs for Direct Discharges to Receiving Water Body
| Substance/Parameter | BAT-AEL | Waste treatment process |
|---|---|---|
| TOC | 10-60 mg/l (all except water-based liquid waste) | All except water-based liquid waste |
| TOC | 10-100 mg/l (water-based liquid waste) | Water-based liquid waste |
| COD | 30-180 mg/l (all except water-based liquid waste) | All except water-based liquid waste |
| COD | 30-300 mg/l (water-based liquid waste) | Water-based liquid waste |
| TSS | 5-60 mg/l | All waste treatments |
| HOI | 0.5-10 mg/l | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, soil washing, water-based liquid waste |
| Total N | 1-25 mg/l (biological treatment, oil re-refining) | Biological treatment, oil re-refining |
| Total N | 10-60 mg/l (water-based liquid waste) | Water-based liquid waste |
| Total P | 0.3-2 mg/l (biological treatment) | Biological treatment |
| Total P | 1-3 mg/l (water-based liquid waste) | Water-based liquid waste |
| Phenol Index | 0.05-0.2 mg/l (oil re-refining, waste with calorific value) | Oil re-refining, waste with calorific value |
| Phenol Index | 0.05-0.3 mg/l (water-based liquid waste) | Water-based liquid waste |
| Free Cyanide (CN-) | 0.02-0.1 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
| AOX | 0.2-1 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
| Metals & Metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Hg, Zn) | As: 0.01-0.05 mg/l, Cd: 0.01-0.05 mg/l, Cr: 0.01-0.15 mg/l, Cu: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Pb: 0.05-0.1 mg/l, Ni: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Hg: 0.5-5 μg/l, Zn: 0.1-1 mg/l | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, MBT, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, solid/pasty waste, solvent regeneration, soil washing |
| Metals & Metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cr(VI), Cu, Pb, Ni, Hg, Zn) | As: 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cd: 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cr: 0.01-0.3 mg/l, Cr(VI): 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cu: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Pb: 0.05-0.3 mg/l, Ni: 0.05-1 mg/l, Hg: 1-10 μg/l, Zn: 0.1-2 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
Associated monitoring in BAT 7.
Table 6.2: BAT-AELs for Indirect Discharges to Receiving Water Body
| Substance/Parameter | BAT-AEL | Waste treatment process |
|---|---|---|
| HOI | 0.5-10 mg/l | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, soil washing, water-based liquid waste |
| Free Cyanide (CN-) | 0.02-0.1 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
| AOX | 0.2-1 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
| Metals & Metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Hg, Zn) | As: 0.01-0.05 mg/l, Cd: 0.01-0.05 mg/l, Cr: 0.01-0.15 mg/l, Cu: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Pb: 0.05-0.1 mg/l, Ni: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Hg: 0.5-5 μg/l, Zn: 0.1-1 mg/l | Metal shredders, WEEE/VHCs, MBT, oil re-refining, waste with calorific value, solid/pasty waste, solvent regeneration, soil washing |
| Metals & Metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, Cr(VI), Cu, Pb, Ni, Hg, Zn) | As: 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cd: 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cr: 0.01-0.3 mg/l, Cr(VI): 0.01-0.1 mg/l, Cu: 0.05-0.5 mg/l, Pb: 0.05-0.3 mg/l, Ni: 0.05-1 mg/l, Hg: 1-10 μg/l, Zn: 0.1-2 mg/l | Water-based liquid waste |
Associated monitoring in BAT 7.
1.6. Emissions from Accidents and Incidents
BAT 21: Prevent or Limit Environmental Consequences of Accidents
To prevent or limit accident consequences, BAT is to use all of:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| a. Protection Measures | Plant protection against malevolent acts, fire/explosion protection, accessible/operable control equipment in emergencies. |
| b. Management of Incidental/Accidental Emissions | Procedures and provisions to manage emissions from spills, firefighting water, safety valves. |
| c. Incident/Accident Registration and Assessment | Log/diary for incidents, procedure changes, inspections. Procedures to identify, respond to, and learn from incidents. |
1.7. Material Efficiency
BAT 22: Substitute Materials with Waste
To use materials efficiently, BAT is to substitute materials with waste (e.g., waste alkalis/acids for pH adjustment, fly ashes as binders).
Applicability: Limited by contamination risks (heavy metals, POPs, salts, pathogens) and waste compatibility (BAT 2).
1.8. Energy Efficiency
BAT 23: Use Energy Efficiently
To use energy efficiently, BAT is to use both:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| a. Energy Efficiency Plan | Define and calculate specific energy consumption, set annual KPIs (kWh/tonne waste), plan periodic improvement targets and actions, adapted to waste treatment specificities. |
| b. Energy Balance Record | Breakdown of energy consumption/generation by source (electricity, gas, fuels, waste), including delivered energy, exported energy, and energy flow information (Sankey diagrams), adapted to waste treatment specificities. |
1.9. Reuse of Packaging
BAT 24: Maximize Reuse of Packaging
To reduce waste for disposal, BAT is to maximize packaging reuse (drums, containers, IBCs, pallets) as part of the residues management plan (BAT 1). Reuse when in good condition and sufficiently clean, with compatibility checks. Appropriate treatment before reuse (reconditioning, cleaning).
Applicability: Limited by contamination risks from reused packaging.
This overview provides a foundational understanding of the General BAT Conclusions for waste treatment in Europe. Subsequent sections of the full BAT Conclusions document delve into specific BAT for different waste treatment processes, offering detailed guidance for operators striving for environmental excellence.
