Like any emerging technology, people tend to have questions about anaerobic digestion (AD) plants, and misinformation can lead to myths and misconceptions about their safety, environmental impact and benefits for local communities.
AD plants are well-regulated, already proven safe through many years of use and known to bring a mix of benefits to surrounding communities.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding AD plants. The aim its to provide a better understanding of the role of AD plants in creating a more sustainable future.
Key takeaways:
- AD plants help combat climate change by converting organic waste into renewable energy while reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- There are no hazardous substances or materials associated with the facility that could constitute a public health risk and there is no evidence that the presence of a biogas plant has a negative effect on house values, according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
- Well-managed and maintained modern biogas plants represent a low safety risk. AD plants are subject to rigorous monitoring and strict regulations, ensuring any emissions remain within safe limits.
- Well-designed and operated plants create limited noise or odours. Advanced filtration technologies reduce odours, and AD facilities help reduce pathogens from farm waste that enter local water sources compared to traditional waste management practices.
- Properly managed AD plants have minimal impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. Proposed plants undergo a detailed environmental impact assessment, which considers any possible effect on nearby buildings, wildlife, rural and scenic areas of beauty, biodiversity and ecosystems.
Question: I’ve heard that AD plants are a risk to public health. Is that true?
Answer: AD is a proven and regulated technology with no known health concerns. There are no hazardous substances or materials associated with the facility that could constitute a public health risk. The materials processed are organic in nature and all operations are controlled by strict health and safety standards. Any pathogens present in digestate are eliminated by pasteurisation, ensuring a safe product that complies with environmental regulations.
Q: Are AD plants a hazard for wildlife? Do they disrupt natural areas?
A: Properly managed AD plants have minimal impact on wildlife and ecosystems. These projects are subject to stringent environmental regulations and mandated to undertake responsible practices to protect natural areas. Proper site selection, habitat preservation, and environmental impact assessments consider any possible effect on the local environment and are integral to minimising effects on local flora and fauna.
Q: Are AD plants bad for the environment?
A: Well-regulated AD plants are good for the environment. AD efficiently converts organic waste into renewable energy, which can improve farm waste management practices, reduce landfill usage, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Strict environmental standards and technological advancements ensure waste is managed responsibly. Additionally, digestate, the by-product of AD, is a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive synthetic fertilisers that can improve soil health, increase farm productivity and reduce nitrate leaching.
Q: I’m worried an AD plant will impact my property value. Is that the case?
A: There is no evidence that the presence of a biogas plant has a negative effect on house values according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. Modern AD projects prioritise community interests and take measures to mitigate any potential negative impacts on property values.
Q I’ve heard that AD plants leak and are bad for climate change. Is that true?
A: AD plants produce renewable energy that is carbon neutral or even carbon negative. They also capture methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. So, they are good for climate change by reducing carbon and methane emissions. As for worries about methane leakage, modern AD plants include strict controls to minimise this risk. Using advanced technology, proper sealing, effective monitoring and regular maintenance significantly reduce the potential for methane release.
Q: Do AD plants cause noise and light pollution?
Q: Modern AD plants are designed to reduce noise and light pollution. This includes soundproofing measures to ensure operation within permissible noise levels and shielding to reduce any potential disruptions from light. Lighting is also controlled to meet regulatory standards and minimise disturbance to the local community.
Q: I’ve heard that AD plants are unsafe and can explode. Is that the case?
A: Well-managed and maintained modern biogas plants present a low safety risk. Well-designed and regulated AD plants prioritise safety to keep these risks to an absolute minimum. This includes advanced monitoring, gas ventilation and detection systems, explosion-proof equipment, and emergency response plans that ensure compliance with industry standards. Plants also incorporate gas flaring systems so that, in case of excess production or a storage malfunction, excess gas can be safely burned off so it doesn’t build up and create the risk of explosion.
Q: Don’t AD plants cause vermin infestations?
A: Left untended, food and farm waste can cause vermin infestations. Contrary to the myth, AD plants can reduce vermin infestations by handling this waste efficiently, thus reducing the food sources that attract vermin. AD plants prioritise hygiene and pest control through advanced waste-handling practices, secure storage and regular monitoring. Additionally, the high temperatures generated through the AD process can make food waste less attractive to vermin.
Q: Is it true that AD plants cause major increases in local traffic?
A: Operating an anaerobic digester can lead to a small increase in traffic levels around the facility. This depends on several key factors including: feedstock delivery, transporting digestate, and service and maintenance. But any increase in traffic will be mild and governed by a traffic management plant to ensure there is no traffic congestion or noise associated with the plant.
CycleØ is committed to communities
AD plants are an essential part of sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. Although concerns and myths persist, AD technology is safe, environmentally friendly, and benefits communities when managed and regulated effectively.
As an integrated biomethane producer operating AD plants across the EU, CycleØ is committed to the highest environmental, social, and corporate responsibility standards.
If you have questions or concerns about any of our existing or proposed projects, please contact [email protected]