Solvent Emissions (Scotland) Regulations 2004: guidance

Guidance on the Solvent Emissions (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Appendix 3: REDUCTION SCHEME

Copy of Annex IIB from the SED

1. Principles

The purpose of the reduction scheme is to allow the operator the possibility to achieve by other means emission reductions, equivalent to those achieved if the emission limit values were to be applied. To that end the operator may use any reduction scheme, specially designed for his installation, provided that in the end an equivalent emission reduction is achieved.

2. Practice

In the case of applying coatings, varnishes, adhesives or inks, the following scheme can be used. Where the following method is inappropriate SEPA may allow an operator to apply any alternative exemption scheme which it is satisfied fulfils the principles outlined here. The design of the scheme takes into account the following facts:

(i) where substitutes containing little or no solvent are still under development, a time extension must be given to the operator to implement his emission reduction plans;

(ii) the reference point for emission reductions should correspond as closely as possible to the emissions which would have resulted had no reduction action been taken.

The following scheme shall operate for installations for which a constant solid content of product can be assumed and used to define the reference point for emission reductions:

(i) the operator shall forward an emission reduction plan which includes in particular decreases in the average solvent content of the total input and/or increased efficiency in the use of solids to achieve a reduction of the total emissions from the installation to a given percentage of the annual reference emissions, termed the target emission. This must be done on the following time frame:

(ii) The annual reference emission is calculated as follows:

(a) The total mass of solids in the quantity of coating and/or ink, varnish or adhesive consumed in a year is determined. Solids are all materials in coatings, inks, varnishes and adhesives that become solid once the water or the volatile organic compounds are evaporated.

(b) The annual reference emissions are calculated by multiplying the mass determined in (a) by the appropriate factor listed in the table below. SEPA may adjust these factors for individual installations to reflect documented increased efficiency in the use of solids.

(c) The target emission is equal to the annual reference emission multiplied by a percentage equal to:

- (the fugitive emission value + 15), for installations falling within item 6 and the lower threshold band of items 8 and 10 of Annex IIA of the SED.,

- (the fugitive emission value + 5) for all other installations.

(d) Compliance is achieved if the actual solvent emission determined from the solvent management plan is less than or equal to the target emission.