FAQs
What is a food waste anaerobic digestion facility?
A food waste anaerobic digestion (AD) facility processes organic waste such as household food scraps, supermarket waste, and commercial food by-products in sealed tanks without oxygen. The process produces renewable biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, helping to recycle food waste into useful resources.
Watch the video below explaining the Anaerobic Digestion process, filmed at our Derby facility.
Why this site? Have brownfield sites been considered?
This site has been selected as it has good access to the major road network, available connection to the electricity and gas networks, proximity to farmland, and is a reasonable distance away from residential areas.
We have undertaken an Alternative Site Assessment (ASA) on a wide variety of sites and reviewed them thoroughly before selecting the proposed location that would provide the best balance for the requirements of a food waste AD facility. Ultimately, the ASA demonstrates that there are no more suitable sites available for the development.
Will local food waste collections support the anaerobic digestion facility?
Yes. As separate food waste collections continue to roll out and local housing stock grows, the amount of household food waste collected is expected to increase. Anaerobic digestion facilities provide a sustainable way to manage this waste by turning it into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser, helping support a more circular and low-carbon waste system.
How will odours be managed?
The proposed facility will have a sophisticated air filtration system and is a closed system – where all food waste is processed within the reception building with fast-closing roller shutter doors and is moved around via a network of pipes within a highly controlled environment.
All liquid digestate produced will be fully contained , and silage clamps will be sheeted with multi-layer covers. A detailed Odour Assessment has been provided as part of our planning application, providing an assessment of all possible odour emission points and how they will be managed.
How will landscape and visual impacts be managed?
Our proposal includes a comprehensive landscaping scheme, which will improve and enhance the existing landscape, by planting trees and hedges around the site boundary. Over time, this will create a physical and visual screen, and significantly improve the biodiversity value of the site. A detailed appraisal of landscape and visual impacts has been undertaken and has been provided as part of our planning application.
Is there a risk of water pollution from the facility?
AD facilities are designed with sealed drainage systems, impermeable surfaces, and containment measures to prevent spills or leaks from reaching local watercourses or groundwater. Any liquid by-products are carefully stored and managed in accordance with environmental regulations.
How will noise be managed?
The proposed facility would be operated to avoid any adverse impacts from noise. A detailed acoustic assessment has been provided as part of our planning application to demonstrate how the facility has been designed to manage noise impacts.
The noise impact assessment shows that the level of noise experienced by the nearest residents will be no greater than the existing background sound levels.
Why have the Environment Agency objected to this?
The Environment Agency has objected due to concerns about protecting groundwater at the site, particularly because the original proposal included underground storage tanks and pipework within a sensitive groundwater protection area. We have amended the design in response to the EA’s concerns. We believe any residual risks can be safely managed through detailed design, engineering controls, and the Environmental Permitting process, and discussions with the Environment Agency are ongoing.
