You may believe that your company’s manufacturing processes do not result in any harmful emissions. However, if you are running an industrial boiler on your premises, you may well need to apply for an Atmospheric Emission License (AEL).
In 2013, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) declared that a small boiler is a controlled emitter in terms of section 23(1) of the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004, and thereby established emissions standards for the small boiler in terms of section 24 of the National
Environment Management Air Quality Act.
A ‘small boiler’ is defined as ‘a boiler with a design capacity equal to 10MW but less than 50MW net heat input per unit’ (Small Boiler Declaration, DEA, 2013).
How Does a Boiler Affect Air Quality?
A boiler works by burning fuel to heat water and to generate steam, which can then be used for the following purposes:
- Heating,
- Hot water supply, and
- Generating electricity.
However, the by-product of running a boiler is not just steam. The fuel that is burned also generates emissions. This is a fact that may be overlooked by many companies.
Boilers are typically fuelled by gas, oil or coal. Boiler emissions from burning these substances can be very harmful. Toxins include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and various other volatile compounds – greenhouse gasses may even be involved. Fine particles of dust could also be released into the air.
If you are running a boiler, it is essential that determine if it is a small boiler (with annual reporting requirements), or a bigger boiler, in which case you may have to submit an AEL applicatio n.
Have Your Air Quality Assessed by A Professional
In South Africa, air pollution is controlled by the Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004 (AQA), which provides guidelines for minimum emissions. To ensure that you are in line with the SA air quality regulations and that you reduce the impact of your boiler emissions, you need to have your air quality assessed by an environmental management company. A professional company can determine the type of emissions if any, that are being released and they will devise an air quality management plan.
Emissions from your boiler should be measured (or calculated). Your environmental management company can then suggest an air quality management plan to minimise these emissions and provide ongoing air quality monitoring. They will also be able to help you with applying for your Atmospheric Emission License.
Gondwana Environmental Solutions
Gondwana Environmental Solutions can provide full boiler related services. Our services include:
- Air Quality Impact Assessments,
- Emission (Stack) monitoring
- Helping companies develop air quality management plans,
- Helping companies with AEL applications.
- Helping companies with ‘small boiler’ reporting requirements
Gondwana Environmental Solutions has sound knowledge of the South African legislation relating to environmental issues and can obtain the relevant environmental authorisations on behalf of our clients.
For more information about our professional air quality management services, please call +27 (11) 472 3112 or contact us electronically.