By Kacie Thomson, SUEZ
We would like to reassure the community that emissions from the Eco Park are mostly steam (the largest and only visible emission), with oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and tiny amounts of pollutants that must comply with the Environment Agency’s (EA) permitted limits and strict EU regulations.
Steam is an odourless, colourless gas so you may notice a small gap between the top of the stack and where the visible plume begins – this is the invisible steam. As the steam moves further away from the stack it condens-es into water vapour, appearing in cloud-like plumes. This process can be seen at a smaller scale on a household tea kettle.
The steam plume leaving the stack is more visible in colder temperatures and can appear darker when the water molecules reflect light, just like how clouds can appear grey. The plume may be more visible at night when the temperature drops or and may appear darker on an overcast day, and this is not an indication of a change in emissions. While the plant is in use you will continue to see a plume when atmospheric conditions make the water vapour more visible.
All emissions go through a filtration and odour abatement system and are carefully monitored through a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS). Any emissions breaches are reported to the EA along with information on the cause and any corrective action. The EA can request emissions data at any time in addition to the formal reporting requirements at regular intervals and have enforcement authority.
Visit www.EcoParkSurrey.co.uk for more information on emissions, monitoring and air quality.