Solvent Emissions

The Solvent Emissions Directive (Sed)

What Is Sed?

In January 2004, the Solvent Emissions (England and Wales) Regulations SI 107 came into force. These give effect to the European Directive 1999/13/EC commonly called the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) .

The aim of SED is to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment, especially through controlling, preventing and reducing emissions to air. This is because VOCs releases can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.

How Do I Know if Sed Applies to My Installation?

Below is a list of the activities covered by SED and the threshold values of solvent consumption for each activity. In calculating solvent consumption, you may ignore any solvent which is recycled. Use this information as a guide to whether you need to apply for a permit.

If you do not reach the current threshold but you fall close to it, or you are planning further expansion which may take you over the threshold in the future, you are advised to let the Council know as you may be affected by SED in the future. Remember that environmental legislation becomes more stringent over time and taking action now may reduce your costs in the longer term.

• Regulated Activities (PDF Document, 0.1 Mb)

Special Requirements for Dry Cleaners

The Directive applies to all dry cleaning installations using solvents.

All existing dry cleaning installations are required to have a permit to operate after 31 October 2007.

All existing dry cleaning installations are required to apply to the local authority for a permit by 31 October 2006.

All dry cleaning installations must meet the requirements of the DEFRA process Guidance Note for Dry Cleaning ( PG 6/46(04)) by 31st October 2007. Permit requirements will be based on this document.

• Dry Cleaners - application form (PDF Document, 0.1 Mb)

What Will I Have to Do if Sed Applies to Me?

All activities subject to SED must be regulated by a permit. The permit requirements will be based on the appropriate DEFRA LAPPC Guidance Note for that process or activity and will include requirements to either:-

1) meet a VOC emission concentration limit and fugitive emissions limits or
2) use a solvent reduction approach to achieve the results that would have been obtained from meeting a mass emission limit.

Activities using certain harmful substances are subject to stricter requirements.

NB: the deadline for application to use a Solvent reduction Scheme has now expired.

You will have to pay an application fee and, if the permit is granted, Annual subsistence charges to the Local Authority. The Local Authority will inspect your premises to ensure all permit conditions are being met.

• Application form for a SED Process. (PDF Document, 0.15 Mb)

What Fees and Charges Apply?

The application fee for a standard process (2005/2006) is £1409 and the Annual subsistence charge is currently £879. However, consultations are currently taking place to alter the charging scheme to reflect the risk associated with different activities, such that lower risk installations receive a discounted subsistence fee. This approach rewards those organisations that can demonstrate good practice and /or pose inherently lower risks to the environment and human health.

Dry Cleaners pay a much reduced fee which takes into account that they are generally smaller operations. The Dry Cleaners Application fee for 2005/2006 is £132. The proposed Annual Subsistence Fee for Dry Cleaners in 2006/2007 is £136

Fees may be liable to change.

Up to date information on fees can be obtained by calling Charnwood Borough Council on (01509) 634636.

Where Can I Find Guidance on Complying with Sed?

Every activity covered by SED has its own Process Guidance note issued by DEFRA. Information on these can be obtained from:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-permitting-guidance-the-solvent-emissions-directive

or by writing to: DEFRA publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX or by phoning: 08459 556000

Until end of May 2006, there will be an Environmental Protection Officer working at Charnwood Borough Council with the remit of assisting local companies through the application and permitting processes. After this time, general help and advice can be still be obtained from the Environmental Health Department. Call (01509) 634636 for details.