Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
Determination of a Permit Application for a PPC Permit under the
Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations
(NI) 2013 (SR 2013 No. 160) and the Landfill Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2003 (SR 2003 No. 496)
Decision Document recording the decision-making process
Note: all references to the “PPC Regulations” are to the Pollution Prevention and Control
(Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (SR 2013 No.160) and all references
to the “Landfill Regulations” are to the Landfill Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (SR 2003
No. 496).
Administrative details
Application date
27 November 2014
NIEA/Chief Inspector reference (“the Permit
Application”)
WPPC 07/09
Permit number (the “Permit”)
P0468/14A
Applicant (the “Applicant”)
Amber Merchants Ltd trading as
Wastebeater Recycling
Address/location of Installation(the “Installation”)
Unit 8A Blackstaff Road, Kennedy Way
Industrial Estate, Belfast, Co. Antrim,
BT11 9DT
Michael Moody
Name of Account Officer
Signature of Account Officer:
………………………………………………..
Name of Authorising Officer
Eugene Kelly
Signature of Authorising Officer:
………………………………………………..
All relevant documents have been sent to the IPPC Public Registers
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
Purpose of this document
The Decision Document ("DD") explains how the Applicant’s Application has been determined
and why the specific conditions in the Permit have been imposed. It is a record of the decisionmaking process to show how all relevant factors have been taken into account.
This DD provides an explanation for the use of the conditions within the Permit.
Summary of the decision
We have decided to grant a Permit (or Variation) that allows the Applicant to operate the
Installation, subject to the conditions set out in this Permit. The conditions have been
considered to be appropriate for the Installation, in particular in taking account of the principle
that all appropriate measures will be taken against pollution and that no significant pollution will
be caused. We consider that in our decision to issue the Permit and in the conditions included
therein, we have taken into account all relevant considerations and legal requirements.
Description of the Permitted Installation
A non-technical summary of the activities covered by the Permit is contained within the
Application. There is also a description of the Installation included in the Introductory Note to
the Permit.
Definitions are the same as described in Schedule 7 of the Permit.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
Part A – Introduction
A1 Administration
This section includes administrative information relating to the Application and information about
the Applicant and the Installation.
"Duly made" check on Application received
The Application was determined to be duly made on 15 December 2014
Consultation on the Permit Application
The Application was advertised by the Applicant on 10th January 2015 in the North Belfast News
and between 5th and 11th January 2015 in the Belfast Gazette.
We sent copies of the Application to the following statutory consultees in accordance with Part 2
of Schedule 4 to the PPC Regulations:

Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland;

The Planning Service

Public Health Agency

Belfast City Council

NIEA CDP

NIEA Water Management Unit

NI Water Ltd
Consideration of consultation responses
Responses were received from the following statutory consultees:

Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland;

Public Health Agency

Belfast City Council

NIEA CDP

NIEA Water Management Unit

NI Water Ltd
We have considered all responses in determining the Permit Application. The ways in which
material responses have been taken into account are summarised in Appendix I to this
document.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
A2
The Applicant
Fit and Proper Person
The Applicant has been able to demonstrate that it is a Fit and Proper Person to carry out the
Specified Waste Management Activities that are part of the permitted activities at the
Installation.
The considerations taken into account were:
Technical Competence – The Operator has provided evidence that the management of the
Wastebeater Recycling facility will hold the appropriate WAMITAB certificates for the operations
carried out at the facility at Unit 8A Blackstaff Road, Kennedy Way Industrial Estate, Belfast, Co.
Antrim, BT11 9DT.
A3
The Installation
The Site
The Applicant provided a plan (DRG No: 14117-02) which we consider is satisfactory for
showing the site of the Installation and its extent. The Operator is required to carry on the
Permitted activities within the site boundary.
Matters of commercial confidentiality or national security
The operator has not made a claim for commercial confidentiality.
Further information requirements
A request for further information was made on 29th January 2015 in relation to proposals to
mitigate potential odour and nuisance at the waste reception area, provision of the NI water
trade effluent agreement, information on raw materials and energy requirements / efficiency,
and details of how SRF / RDF storage will comply with the NIEA position statement. A response
was received on 9th March 2015.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
The Permit Conditions
1. Management
1.1 General Management
Based upon the information submitted in the Application, we are satisfied that appropriate
management systems and management structures are in place for this Installation and that
sufficient financial, technical and manpower resource is available to the Operator to ensure
compliance with all the Permit conditions.
The condition requires the Operator to submit a Site-Specific Management Plan that will detail
the procedures to be used to undertake the Activities at the site. We consider that this is
necessary to ensure that we can effectively regulate the Installation. The Operator is required to
undertake the Activities in accordance with the Management Plan, however in order to ensure
that the Operator is able to amend their management of the site, the Management Plan can be
changed, subject to notification to and consent by the Chief Inspector.
1.2 Breach of permit conditions
Condition 1.2 requires the Operator to suspend operations if a permit breach threatens to cause
immediate significant adverse effect on the environment. Any breach of permit condition must
be reported to the Chief Inspector immediately and take measures to ensure that compliance is
restored in the shortest possible time.
1.3 Accidents that may cause pollution
The Application contained a section on accident management. This permit condition requires
that the Operator prepare and operate an appropriate accident management plan in order that
accidents that may cause pollution are minimised.
1.4 Finance
Based upon the information submitted in the Application, we are satisfied that the Operator
intends to, and is able to, make suitable Financial Provision obligations. This condition requires
that the Financial Provision must maintain adequate financial provision throughout the
subsistence of this Permit.
1.5 Energy Efficiency
Condition 1.5 requires the Operator to review energy efficiency every 4 years and implement
any appropriate measures identified by the review.
1.6 Efficient use of raw materials
Condition 1.6.1 requires the Operator to take appropriate measures to ensure that raw materials
and water are used efficiently.
1.7 Avoidance, recovery and disposal of wastes produced by the activities
Condition 1.7 requires the Operator to ensure that the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of
the Waste Framework Directive is applied to the generation of waste by the activities and any
waste generated by the activities is treated in a accordance with the hierarchy and where
disposal is necessary, this is undertaken in a manner which minimises its impact in the
environment.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
1.8 Site security
Condition 1.8.1 requires the Operator to provide site security that will prevent unauthorised
access to the site.
1.9 Multiple operator Installations
This is not a multi-operator installation.
2. Operations
2.1 Permitted activities
Permitted activities are specified in Schedule 1.
2.2 The Site
The PPC boundary is outlined in red on DRG No: 14117-02 at Schedule 2 of the Permit.
2.3 Off-site conditions
No off site conditions apply.
2.4 Commencement
No condition applies.
2.5 Pre-Operational Conditions
No condition applies.
2.6 Improvement programme
Condition 2.6.1 requires the Operator to carry out the improvements specified in Schedule 1
Table S1.3. Improvement condition IC1 requires the Operator to provide a Site Specific
Management Plan in compliance with condition 1.1.1 within 1 month of permit issue.
Improvement Condition IC2 requires the Operator to provide a revised financial provision
assessment and evidence of financial provision within 1 month of permit issue. Improvement
Condition IC3 requires the Operator to Install the odour and dust suppression system as
detailed in the application within 2 months of permit issue. Improvement Condition IC4 requires
the Operator to construct a sample chamber at the foul drainage discharge manhole within 3
months of permit issue. Improvement Condition IC4 requires the Operator to Provide a copy of
the NI Water Ltd trade effluent agreement within 14 days of receipt from NI Water Ltd.
2.7 Engineering
This condition sets the requirements that the Operator must comply with regarding the
engineering works proposed within the Application. The Operator must submit construction
proposals and CQA documentation prior to any construction taking place and must also submit
CQA validation reports following construction.
2.8 Waste acceptance
Condition 2.8.3 limits the maximum quantity of waste which can be accepted annually to:150,000 Tonnes of non-hazardous waste consisting of mixed dry commercial, industrial and
municipal wastes, excluding putrescible materials.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
2.9 Closure, aftercare and decommissioning
This condition requires the Operator to operate the facility so as to prevent or where that is not
practicable to minimise any pollution risk. The Operator is has provided a Site Closure Plan in
the application and is required to maintain the Site Closure Plan and review the closure plan
every 4 years.
2.10 System for the protection of soil and groundwater
This condition requires the Operator to carry out monitoring of groundwater and soil and
compare with the measurements in the baseline report, at least every 5 years for groundwater
and every 10 years for soil unless such monitoring is based on a systematic appraisal of the risk
of contamination. Where the Operator has made an acceptable case that a baseline report is
not required at the application stage, a review of this conclusion is required at least every 5
years.
Soil and groundwater monitoring has been proposed at permit surrender within the Site
Protection and Monitoring Programme provided with the application. The applicant has stated
that as the full site is surfaced with concrete with sealed drainage soil and groundwater
sampling could not be carried out during the operational phase. The applicant has stated that
the collection of soil or groundwater samples is not considered necessary during the operational
phase as adequate environmental protection is offered by the existing concrete surfacing.
3. Site infrastructure
3.1 Notice boards
This condition requires the Operator to provide an appropriate notice board for the Installation.
3.2 Waste storage
This condition requires the Operator to store wastes in a manner which prevents pollution and
harm to the environment.
3.3 Liquid storage
This condition sets the requirements for the storage of liquids whose emission to water or land
could cause pollution.
4. Emissions and monitoring
4.1 Emissions to water air or land
Point source emissions shall only be made from the points listed in Schedule 4 table 4.1.
4.2 Transfers off site
Records of all wastes sent off site shall be maintained.
4.3 Fugitive emissions of substances
On the basis of the details provided in the Application, we are satisfied that fugitive emissions
that may cause pollution are unlikely to occur. This condition requires the Operator to take
appropriate measures to prevent any such fugitive emissions from causing pollution.
4.4 Odour
This condition requires the Operator to take appropriate measures to prevent any odours at
levels likely to cause annoyance outside the Site.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
4.5 Noise and vibration
This condition requires the Operator to take appropriate measures to prevent any noise and/or
vibration at levels likely to cause annoyance outside the Site.
4.6 Birds, Vermin and insects
This condition requires the operator to prevent or minimise the nuisance and hazards arising
from birds, vermin and insects.
4.7 Monitoring
On the basis of the details provided in the Application and the conditions within the Permit, we
are satisfied that sufficient monitoring will be undertaken to ensure that the impact of the
Installation upon the environment is suitably measured. Tables S4.1, S4.2 and 4.3 set the
monitoring requirements for discharge to foul sewer, odour monitoring, and dust and
particulates monitoring.
5. Information
5.1 Records
Based upon the information submitted in the Application, we are satisfied that appropriate
procedures are in place to ensure that records are kept. This condition sets the standards for
making and retaining records.
5.2 Reporting
This condition sets the requirements and standards for reporting to the Chief Inspector on the
performance of the Activities.
5.3 Notifications
This condition sets the requirements and standards for notifying the Chief Inspector of specific
events detailed within the condition.
5.4 Interpretation
This condition establishes that the expressions contained within Schedule 4 and used within the
Permit will have the meaning given in that Schedule.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
Schedule 1 – Operations
Table S1.1 Activities
Based upon the information submitted in the Application, we are satisfied that the listed and
directly associated activities detailed in this Table are those relevant to the Installation.
Table S1.2 Pre-operational Measures
No measures are required here as the site is already operating under a waste management
licence.
Table S1.3 Improvement Programme Requirements
This table contains the Improvement Conditions required under condition 2.6.1.
Table S1.4 Annual Waste Limits
This table contains the annual limits on waste throughput.
Schedule 2 – Site plan
The site plan (DRG No: 14117-02) included here clearly shows the Installation boundary,
outlined in red.
The Activities permitted by the Permit may only take place within this boundary.
Schedule 4 – Emissions and monitoring
The Tables in this section list the limits and monitoring requirements detailed in condition 4.7.
The monitoring requirements have been set in response to the risk assessments provided and
those proposed for the Permit.
Schedule 5 – Reporting
Table S5.1 Reporting of monitoring data
This Table details the reporting requirements for the monitoring that the Operator shall make
under the conditions of the Permit.
Table S5.2 Performance Parameters
This Table details the reporting requirements for the use at the Installation of water and energy,
as well as waste returns.
Schedule 7 – Interpretation
This Schedule provides interpretations of words or phrases used within the Permit.
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Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
APPENDIX I – Consultee responses
A summary of consultation responses received and the way in which they have been taken in to
account in the determination process:
Response received from
Brief summary of issues raised
Food Standards Agency
Northern Ireland
The Public Health Agency stated that the
operator should ensure that good practices
of storing and handling chemicals and
waste are maintained to prevent any
abnormal emissions or spillages, which
could result in contamination entering the
food chain. It is noted that a number of
food businesses are in the vicinity of the
recycling plant. The proximity of the site to
watercourses, farms, food producers and
the food chain should be considered when
assessing the risk of contamination and
developing contingency plans.
The Planning Service
Public Health Agency
Belfast City Council
NIEA Conservation
Designation &
Protection(CDP)
NIEA Water Management
Unit (WMU)
NI Water
Based on the information made available
provided that the applicant operates and
maintains the site in accordance with the
relevant technical guidance (5.01 & 5.06),
and complies with the IED requirements, it
is unlikely that there will be unacceptable
effects on the human food chain.
No response has been received from the
Planning Service.
If the applicant carries out all the
preventative measures as outlined in the
application then the public health effects
would be minimal and the PHA would have
no immediate concerns regarding adverse
effects of the facility related to IPPC issues.
The Council stated that they had received
3 complaints regarding odour, dust and
rubbish in January – February 2013.
Officers from the BCC Environmental
Protection Unit visited the site and detected
odour similar to bin waste at the facade
next to the Glenand Centre. Several visits
have been made to the site since these
initial complaints and conditions at the site
have improved.
The application site is located
approximately 6.5 km from the Belfast
Lough SPA/Belfast Lough Open Water
SPA/Inner Belfast Lough ASSI. Information
to support the application indicates that the
site will be completely sealed and all
drainage will be to the mains sewage
system. CDP would highlight that any
licence or amendment issued should
ensure the protection of these sites. A
Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
should be completed.
WMU do not routinely monitor the site and
are not aware of any issues.
NI Water wish to highlight that if any
contaminated surface water from the site is
to be discharged to sewer a trade effluent
agreement will be required. Any noncontaminated surface water should go to a
watercourse.
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Summary of actions taken or show
how this has been covered
Conditions within the Permit will
ensure that appropriate measures
are in place to control abnormal
emissions and spillages.
No specific action however this is an
existing operation with no change in
activities.
Conditions within the Permit will
ensure that appropriate measures
are in place to mitigate the impacts
on air, ground, water and noise.
Conditions within the Permit will
ensure that appropriate measures
are in place to control nuisance
impacts. Nuisance risk assessments
have been provided with the
application. In addition an odour and
dust suppression system will be
installed at the waste reception area.
An HRA has been carried out. The
waste processing is carried out within
a building and it is considered that
this will ensure any impact on
designated sites is unlikely. Water
discharge is to main sewer and
provided site drainage infrastructure
is maintained, and discharges
monitored, it is considered that this
will ensure any impact on designated
sites is unlikely.
No specific action
The Operator has contacted NI Water
regarding a trade effluent agreement.
Decision Document for Permit P0468/14A
APPENDIX II –The Risk Assessments
1. Habitats Regulations Assessment
A Habitats Regulations Assessment was conducted In accordance with Regulation 43(1) of the
Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended), it considered
whether the application either alone or in combination (neither being directly connected with or
necessary to the management of the site) was likely to have a significant effect on surrounding
habitats.
The site is located approximately 6.5 km from the Belfast Lough SPA/Belfast Lough Open Water
SPA/Inner Belfast Lough ASSI. I. The waste processing is carried out within a building and it is
considered that this will ensure any impact on designated sites is unlikely. Water discharge is to
main sewer and provided site drainage infrastructure is maintained, and discharges monitored,
it is considered that this will ensure any impact on designated sites is unlikely.
End of Decision Document
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