Consenting for combustion of different solid biofuels

Currently Regional Air Plan Rules generally permit only the combustion of raw biomass fuel for heat production. These Rules result in potential fuel that has minor "contaminants" such as paint so that painted wood is not able to be legally combusted, and thus is unnecessarily disposed of to landfill. Yet, modern heating systems are designed for a wide range of solid biofuels, and thus some are suitable for combusting these prohibited fuels, with the resulting emissions to air being within the National Air Quality Standards.

Some consenting authorities use the discretionary consent pathway to allow the use of minor "contaminated" fuels but have advised that they would like guidance on the limits that should apply. These limits will depend on the boiler design, the equipment used for cleaning emissions to air, and the degree of emission monitoring.

A number of Regional Rules for controlling emissions to air are based on controlling fuel inputs as well as setting the limits for emissions to air. This project, funded by the Waste Minimisation Fund, will provide guidance on best practice for ensuring emission Rules are met without unnecessarily prohibiting fuel inputs.

Project documents

Supporting documents