Odour Modelling of Raw Sludge Liming Facilities
As part of an environmental impact assessment on proposals to change raw sludge liming facilities at a UK wastewater treatment works, WRc were asked by the engineering consultant to determine the impact of odour emissions.
The environmental standard set for this situation was 5 ou/m3 or less odour concentration as a 98 percentile at local receptors. A model of odour emissions from the mixing of lime with raw sludge (from primary treatment and the activated sludge plant), storing in the open and then loading into lorries for recycling to agriculture, predicted that the environmental standard would not be met and odour complaints could be expected from local residents and businesses.
WRc developed a number of options for reducing the overall impact of odour emissions from the liming process. One of these options entailed transferring the sludge straight into sealed storage facilities. This was predicted, by modelling, to decrease the overall impact of odour emissions from the liming process and allow the environmental standard to be met. The approach was adopted and planning permission was successfully achieved.
For further information contact Dave Sivil.