Provision of an EIA and ES as part of the planning application for a Thermal Decoupling Unit, UK
| Client: |
TCSR, U.K. |
| Location: |
Nuneaton |
| Date: |
2008 |
| Project: |
Provision of an EIA and ES as part of the planning application for a Thermal Decoupling Unit |
The EIA process is essentially a systematic procedure, to determine the potential impacts of a proposed development and present any information in a form which provides opportunity for public scrutiny. This enables the importance of any predicted effects to be evaluated by the Planning Authority before a decision is given on the planning application.
Abricon were commissioned to report on the potential environmental impacts associated with the development of a Thermal Desorption facility for the treatment of contaminated materials at the Judkins Quarry Site, Tuttle Hill Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 293).
The proposed plant is a direct fired thermal desorption unit utilising natural gas with thermal oxidization of off-gases produced as part of the process. The facility is capable of treating 120,000 tonnes per annum of hazardous and contaminated material to produce a benign and useful end product. The plant produces no wastes requiring disposal as a by-product of the process.
The facility would operate on a 24 hour basis for operational efficiency, although HGV movements will be limited to extended daytime hours.
The following categories were individually assessed:
- Operational Effects
- Noise
- Air Quality
- Traffic Management
- Landscape & Visual
- Culture, Heritage & Archaeology
- Ecology
- Geology & Soils
- Water Resources
- Health Impacts
- Flood Management
Following the statutory 5 week period to review the report and consult with the relevant Statutory Consultees, it was generally agreed that the principal areas of concern relate to noise, road traffic and atmospheric emissions, however when considered on an individual basis these were not considered to be of significance above background levels.
The EIA demonstrated that the installation of the facility would not have a significant impact on the environment, and that in fact significant economic benefits to the region would be gained.
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