Name
From odour control to emissions compliance: practical strategies for meeting IED requirements at biosolids facilities
Description
The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) is set to drive significant change across sludge treatment, biosolids and anaerobic digestion facilities. While odour control has traditionally focused on nuisance management, operators must now consider wider emissions compliance, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), methane and greenhouse gases. This presentation explores practical treatment strategies available to water companies and biosolids operators as they prepare for evolving regulatory requirements. Drawing on recent UK water industry experience, including investigations undertaken for major wastewater treatment and biosolids facilities, the session examines the technical, operational and financial implications of different compliance pathways. Delegates will gain insight into the capabilities and limitations of established technologies such as Regenerative Thermal Oxidisers (RTOs), alongside emerging biological approaches. The presentation will compare treatment performance, carbon impacts, capital and operating costs, and the consequences of taking no action. Particular focus will be given to opportunities for integrating emissions treatment technologies with existing odour control units (OCUs), helping operators maximise the value of existing infrastructure while developing cost-effective compliance strategies. The session provides a practical framework for evaluating options and preparing biosolids facilities for the next generation of emissions regulation.
Authors
Richard Hanson, ERG (Air Pollution Control), UK