Tank covers & air emission control: Meeting the new standards

New rules under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) are coming into effect, and they could mean big changes for how wastewater treatment plants operate. The IED is a European law designed to cut pollution from industries, including wastewater facilities.

What’s changing?

Previously, the IED mainly applied to industrial sites. Most municipal water treatment plants were covered by separate rules.

But in 2019, authorities decided that some bioresource plants using a process called anaerobic digestion (AD)—which breaks down waste to produce biogas—should follow IED regulations too.

This means they now need additional permits and must meet stricter air emission requirements.

What do these rules mean?

The latest updates to the IED, adopted in 2024, include:

• Tougher limits on pollution: Plants must use the best technology available to keep emissions as low as possible.
• More public information: Data about pollution levels and permits will be made available online for everyone to see.
• Broader rules: More types of industrial activities now fall under the IED.
• Stricter emissions control: Open-top tanks and lagoons must be covered to reduce fugitive gas emissions. Storage barns may also be required for biosolids before distribution.

Why does it matter?

For water companies, these changes mean they may need to upgrade their equipment and processes to meet the new standards. This could involve significant costs and adjustments, but it’s all aimed at protecting the environment and reducing pollution.

How to comply

Companies are expected to have gained permits and deliver the necessary improved works quickly, to help them stay on track and avoid fines or disruptions. Those that have not been able to meet the 31 December 2024 deadline are expected to fully comply with the specified requirements for the 2025-2030 period.

How can Rubb help?

We have previously been able to help many facilities management and water companies with similar projects, including Norse Group, Northumbrian Water, and Irish Water.

Our liftable CXB range is the perfect solution for tank covers, getting your facilities under cover safely and efficiently. Bespoke to each project, our structures can accommodate your exact size configurations and incorporate design specifications such as viewing chamber hatches, service access, and various mounting or freestanding options.

Our storage barns are just as flexible and are now more affordable than ever with our pre-designed range of buildings.

From simple covers to full facilities, Rubb’s solutions are manufactured in Britain with hot-dip galvanized steel frames and rugged PVC cladding.

Ask out team how we can help you meet these new air emission requirements.

For more information on Tank covers & air emission control: Meeting the new standards talk to Rubb Buildings Ltd