Publication date: 15.06.2013 no copying without permission ... · biochar Quality mandate (bQm) v....

Publication date: 15.06.2013

no copying without permission of the authors except as permitted by copyright law

biochar Quality mandate (bQm) v. 1.0

ContentsForeword 2WhatistheBiocharQualityMandate? 3HowhastheBiocharQualityMandatebeenprepared? 4

1.Introduction 1.1 WhatisaQualityMandate? 6 1.2 ThepurposeoftheBiochar QualityMandate 7

2. Product Definitions 2.1 Definition of Biochar 8 2.2 Feedstocks 9

3.SustainabilityofBiomassFeedstocks 3.1 SustainabilitySchemes 10 3.2 SustainableBiomassProvision BQMRequirements 11 3.3 Monitoringthesourceofbiomass 12 3.4 Evidencethatthebiomasssource waslegally&sustainablymanaged 13 3.5 GreenhouseGasLifeCycle Assessment 14

4.WastecontrolsandtheBQM 4.1 Wastecontrols 15 4.2 End-of-WasteRequirements 17 4.3 CompliancewiththeWaste IncinerationDirective 18

5.Production 5.1 TypesofBiocharProducing Technology 19 5.2 ComplyingwithLegislation 20 5.3 Samplingmethodologiesfor batchesofbiochar 21

Front cover image courtesy of ECOERA AB, Sweden.


1

6.TestingRequirementsforQualityBiochar 6.1 QualityPropertiesofBiochar 22 6.2 Permissiblelimitsoftoxicants 25

7.UseoftheBiochar 7.1 Applicationofqualitybiocharinsoils 29 7.2 Goodpracticeforbiocharapplication 32

8. Quality Assurance and Certification 8.1 Certification 33 8.2 Recordsmanagement 33

A��endi�� A�� Definitions and Acrony�s��endi�� A�� Definitions and Acrony�s 35AppendixB:DesignatedMarketSectors 38AppendixC:ApproachestoSustainableBiomassProvisionCertification 39AppendixD:Goodpracticeforthestorage,handling,applicationanduseofqualitybiochar 40AppendixE:SuggestedmethodologytocalculatePotentialToxicantLimitingApplicationRate(PTLAR)� 41AppendixF:MethodologyforGHGSustainabilityAppraisalofBiomassFeedstocks 46AppendixG:DeterminingBiocharQualityforSoilApplication 49


ForewordBiochar is defined as ‘a solid �aterial obtained fro� ther�oche�ical conversionofbiomassinanoxygen-limitedenvironmentthatisusedforthesafeandlong-termstorageofcarbonintheenvironmentandforsoilimprovement’.

BiocharisanewproductwhichhaspotentialforwidespreaduseintheUK.Itcanbeappliedtosoilsasaformofcarbonsequestrationandtoimprovesoils.TheBiocharQualityMandate(BQM)�providesthecriteriabywhichasafetouse,goodqualitybiocharproductcanbeevaluatedwithreferencetotheUKcontext.

Biocharcanbemadefromwastematerialsaswellasfromvirginbiomass.Uncertaintyastowhetherproducingbiocharfromawastematerialcanclassifyasawasterecovery

operation,andhowtogoaboutachievingend-of-wastestatusarebarrierstofurtherbiocharusage.Althoughultimatelythisisamatterfortheregulators,thisdocumentaimstoprovideguidanceontheseissues.Biocharproductsareataveryearlystageofdevelopmentandtheirregulatoryandtestingrequirementsareliabletochange,evenintheshortterm,henceitwillbenecessaryfortheBQM-andotherregulatoryguidanceorstandardswhichemergetoregulatebiochar-tobeupdatedasandwhenappropriate.

�

Image courtesy of Ondrej Masek, UKBRC.

What is the Biochar Quality Mandate?

TheBiocharQualityMandatewaswrittenaspartofthe“BiocharRiskAssessmentFramework”(BRAF)�,aprojectfundedbytheEsmeeFairbairnFoundation,withacontributionfromtheUKEngineeringandPhysicalSciencesResearchCouncil(EPSRC)�.ExpertadviceandinputshavebeenprovidedbytheEnvironmentAgency,Waste&ResourcesActionProgramme(WRAP)�,ScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SEPA)�,RothamstedResearch,theJamesHuttonInstitute,theUniversityofNewcastle,theUKBiocharResearchCentre(UniversityofEdinburgh)�andtheBritishBiocharFoundation.ThegoaloftheBiocharRiskAssessmentFrameworkistoremoveimpedimentstothewidespreaduseofbiocharbycategorisingandquantifyingtherisksinvolvedwiththeproductionanduseofbiochar;andmakingthatknowledgepubliclyavailable.

TheBiocharQualityMandate(BQM)�wasinitiallybasedontheformatofaQuality Protocoldocument,withthehopethatit

mightbeconvertedintoaqualityprotocol.Aqualityprotocolhastwopurposes:toassistinidentifyingthepointatwhichawastehasbeenfullyrecovered,ceasestobeawasteandbecomesaproduct;andtogiveassurancethatoncerecoveredtheproductconformstoadequatestandardsandmaythereforebeusedwithconfidence1.

TheBiocharQualityMandate(BQM)�aimsto fulfil the two goals of a quality �rotocol asstatedabove.However,theBQMdiffersfromaQualityProtocolinanumberofways�� firstly it a��lies to non-waste as well aswastebiomassfeedstocks;secondlyitdoesnotcarrythesameauthoritytosetoutcriteriabywhichregulatorsagreetoassessproducts;andthirdlyitisnotbaseduponalargebodyofcase-laworregulatoryexperiencewiththeproductclassinquestion.Evenso,itishopedthatthisdocumentwillbeusedbyproducers,endusersandenvironmentalregulatorsofbiochar.


�

1.ThiswordingisadaptedfromtheQualityProtocolsforCompost,GypsumandAggregates.


How has the Biochar Quality Mandate been prepared?

TheBQMhasbeenwrittenbyacoreteamof:SimonShackley,RodrigoIbarrola,JimHammond(allofUniversityofEdinburgh)�andDarrenHopkins(BritishBiocharFoundation). The first draft was sub�itted to theBRAFSteeringGroup(SG)�inFebruary2013anddiscussedbytheSGmeetinginMarch2013,followingwhichalargenumberofchangesweremadeandconsideredbytheSGinJune2013.ThemembershipoftheBRAFSGispresentedinTable1.

Thecurrentdraftisnowpublishedforpublicconsultationonarangeofwebsites.Commentsareinvitedfromorganisationsorindividualsandimprovementsandpossibleamendmentsoradditionsareallwelcomed.Thecorewritingteamwillrespondtoallcommentsreceived,eitheracceptingthesuggestionorprovidinganexplanationwheretheproposedchangewasnotaccepted.Allcontributorswillbeacknowledgedontheprojectwebsite.Thepublicconsultationwilllastforaperiodofonemonth.

TheBQMwillalsobediscussedatapublicevent,namelythemeetingoftheBritishBiocharFoundationinJune2013,duringwhichcomments,queriesandquestionscan

bepresentedtomembersofthewritingteamandtheBRAFSG.Itisintendedthatthe final te��t of the BQM will be agreed bytheBRAFSGinJuly2013andthattheBQMv.1.0willbelaunchedinAugust2013.

DevelopmentoftheBQMhasbeengreatlyassistedbytheavailabilityoftwootherdocumentswhichprovide(insomeways)�similarguidanceonbiocharstandardsandquality:theInternationalBiocharInitiative’s(IBI)�Guidelinesforbiocharthatisusedinsoils2andtheEuropeanBiochar Certificate (Delinat Institute, Switzerland)�3.BothofthesedocumentshavebeendrawnuponindevelopmentoftheBQM.Insomecases,wehaveadoptedthesamethresholdsandotherguidance.WhatmakestheBQMdistinctivefromtheIBIguidanceandEBC,however,isthatit focuses u�on the s�ecific regulatory requirementsofUKdevelopers,producers,usersandauthorities.

�

1.http://www.biochar-international.org/characterizationstandard2.http://www.european-biochar.org/en


�

SG member OrGanizatiOn expertiSe

Dr.SimonShackley UKBiocharResearchCentreEnvironmentalmanagementandbiocharsystems

RodrigoIbarrola UKBiocharResearchCentreWastemanagementandbiocharsystems

JimHammond UKBiocharResearchCentreLifecycleanalysisandbiocharsystems

DarrenHopkins BritishBiocharFoundationWastemanagementandbiocharpolicy

ProfessorDavidManning NewcastleUniversity ProfessorofSoilScience

Dr.RupertHough JamesHuttonInstitute(JHI)�Riskmodellingandexposureassessment

Dr.NicolaDunn NationalFarmersUnion(NFU)� EnvironmentPolicyAdvisor

MathewDavis EnvironmentAgency(EA)� Soilprotectionadvisor

MarkCollinsonWasteandResourcesActionProgramme(WRAP)�

Energyfromwasteadvisor

FionaDonaldsonScottishEnvironmentProtectionAgency(SEPA)�

Senior Policy Officer, National OperationsWasteUnit

ProfessorSteveMcGrath RothamstedResearch SustainableSoilFunction

Dr.SaranSohi UKBiocharResearchCentre Biocharandsoilscience

DuncanMcLarenMcLarenEnvironmental:ResearchandConsulting

Environmentalresearchandadvocacy

Dr.MargaretGraham UniversityofEdinburghLecturerinEnvironmentalGeochemistry

Dr.OndrejMasekUKBiocharResearchCentre(UKBRC)�

Biocharproductiontechnologies

Table 1: Steering group members


1. Introduction

1.1 What is a Quality mandate?

note: definitions of ter�s that a��ear in coloureditalics when they are first used in theBQMaregiveninAppendixA.

TheBiocharQualityMandate(BQM)�hasbeendevelopedbytheUK

BiocharResearchCentre(UKBRC,Universityof Edinburgh) as �art of the ‘Biochar Risk AssessmentFramework’(BRAF)�withinputfromtheBRAFSteeringGroup(Table1)�andfromtheBritishBiocharFoundation(BBF)�.

Inpublishingthisdocument,theUKBRC,BBFandBRAFSteering

GroupproposethattheBQMcanbeusedbyregulatorsandbiocharprojectdeveloperstohelpdeveloparobust,risk-basedpositionontheregulationofbiocharforsoilapplicationintheUK.NoneoftheorganisationsinvolvedinBRAFformallyendorsetheBQMatthetimeofthepublicconsultationdraft,thoughindividualorganisationsandmembersoftheSGmaywishtoendorsesubjecttocommentsreceivedduringthepublicconsultation.Organisationalendorsementrequiresinternalprocessesofreviewanddecision-makingthatareseparatefromtheBRAFSGprocessitself.

TheBQMsetsoutthecriteriafora substance to be ter�ed ‘quality biochar’eitherasahighorstandard

grade.Whereachardoesnotmeettherequirementsofaqualitybiochar,itmaystillbesuitableforanalternativeapplicationsuchasafuel;however,theBQMdoesnotspecifytheregulatoryrequirementsofnon-biocharproducts.

IftheBQMcriteriaaremet,thebiochar �ay be sold with confidence

foruseindesignated market sectors.

TheBQMmarqueemaybeusedwhere third �arty verification by

a UKAS-registered certification body has beenundertakenandadossierdepositedwiththeBQMowner.

Atthetimeofwriting,anybiocharmadefromawastematerialis

consideredwaste,unlessanapplicationforendofwastehasbeenapprovedbytheresponsibleauthority;andwastesmaynotbespreadontolandunlesstheypossessanexemptionorpermit(license)�forthispurpose.

ProducersofbiochararenotobligedtocomplywiththeBQM.If

theydonot,thebiocharproducedcannotbesoldasaBQM-compliantproduct.

TheBQMdoesnotaffecttheobligationofproducerstohold

anenvironmentalexemptionorpermitifrequiredunderexistingregulationandtocomplywithitsconditionswhenreceiving,storingandprocessingwaste,nordoesitaffecttheobligationtocomplywithallotherrelevantlegalrequirementstoprotecthumanhealthandpreventpollutionoftheenvironment(includingsoil,waterandairandecosystemfunctions)�.

Werecognisethattheremaybecodesofpracticeorstandards

whichapplyintheEuropeanEconomicAreaStatesotherthantheUKsettingoutrequirementsfortheproductionanduseofqualitymandatedbiochar.Biocharprotocols,standardsandcodeswhichalreadyexistintheEEAmaybeapplicablewhere:

•arelevantstandardorcodeof practiceexistsforaqualitybiochar ofanationalstandardsbodyor equivalentbodyofanyEEAState;or

�

1.1.1

1.1.2

1.1.3

1.1.4

1.1.5

1.1.6

1.1.7

1.1.8

1.1.9

•anyrelevantinternationalstandard forbiocharisrecognisedforusein anyEEAState;or •anyrelevanttechnicalregulationwith mandatoryorde factomandatory applicationformarketingoruseinany EEAState;

providedthatthesegivelevelsofprotectionofhumanhealthandtheenvironment,equivalenttothoserequiredbytheBQM.

1.2 the purpose of the biochar Quality mandate

The Quality Mandate has five �ain purposes:

• �roviding a �roduct definition of whatisasafeandqualitybiocharto beusedindesignatedmarket sectorsintheUK;

•providingguidanceontheend-of waste criteriawhichapplyto biocharsmadefrom“waste” biomass feedstocks;

• �roviding confidence to �roducers thattheycancreateandsella productwhichislikelytomeetUK regulatoryguidelines;

• �roviding users with confidence that thebiochartheypurchaseconforms toanapprovedqualitymandate;

•protectinghumanhealthand safetyandpreventingpollutionof theenvironment.

TheBQMhasbeenwrittenfortwomainaudiencegroups:

•RegulatoryAuthorities,when dealingwithpermitting applicationsforbiochar productionanduse;

•Producersandusersofbiochar, whomayhavetoapplyto regulatoryauthoritiesfor permissionstoproduceoruse biochar,andcanfollowthe guidanceinthisdocumentin makingaregulatorysubmission totherelevantauthority.TheBQM alsodescribesgoodpracticefor thestorage,handling,application anduseofbiochar(seesection7)�.


�

1.2.1

1.2.2

AQualityBiocharmustsatisfythefollowingcriteria:

•Firstly,that it is safe for applicationthatitissafeforapplication tosoil.Itisnecessarytodemonstrate thatitdoesnotcontainpotentially dangerouslevelsoftoxicantssuchas potentially toxic elements(PTEs)and organic molecules(suchasdioxins /furans,Polychlorinated biphenyls (P��s)P��s),polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons,BETX(benzene,ethylbenzene,toluene,xylene)�etc.)�..

•Secondly,thebiocharhasto demonstratethatitmeetscriteriafor stablecarbonstorageinsoilsand thatthelifecycleassessmentofthe systemdesignedforitsproductionand usereturnsafavourablecarbon balance.

•Anyqualitybiochar,irrespectiveofits grade(highorstandardgrade)�must containatleast10%organiccarbonby massonadrymatterbasis. •Additionally,biocharmusthavea hydrogen to organic carbon (H:�org) ratioofnohigherthan0.7.

Adifferentiationismadeinthismandatebetweentwodifferent

biochargrades,“highgrade”and“standardgrade”.

Abiocharwillbedifferentiatedas“highgrade”or“standardgrade”


2. Product Definitions2.1 Definition of Biochar

Biocharisasolidmaterialobtainedfromthermochemicalconversionofbiomassinanoxygen-limitedenvironmentthatisusedforthesafeandlong-termstorageofcarbonintheenvironmentandforsoilimprovement.

�

2.1.1

2.1.2 accordingtothethresholdvaluesdesignedto �eet the first criteria in 2.1.2. These quality threshold values are s�ecified in the formofmaximumpermissiblelimits(MPLs)�oftoxicantspresentinabiochar.TheMPLs,theteststodeterminethem,andotherbasicbiocharpropertiesthathavetobemeasuredforqualityassuranceares�ecified in section 6.

Althoughaqualitybiocharmayreasonablybeexpectedto

improvesoilqualitythiswillnotbedirectlyassessedbytheBiocharQualityMandateVersion1.0astheprecisemechanismsbywhichbiocharaffectssoilpropertiesarecomplexandremainasubjectofresearch.Evidenceforagriculturaland ecological benefit will have to be presentedtoregulatoryauthoritieswhenabiocharproducermakesanend-of-wasteapplicationforwaste-derivedbiochar;otherwiseitwillbelefttothesellerofabiochartoassurethebuyerofthe�erfor�ance related benefits in soil. Advice on assessing biochar benefit to soils is providedinAppendixG.

Anymaterialnotcomplyingwiththequalitycriteriasetin

this �andate will fail to be defined as BQM-biochar.Suchmaterialwillnotbeappropriateforapplicationtosoilswhichareusedforagricultural,horticulturalorotherfood-relatedpurposes,butmightbesuitabletobeusedforotherpurposes(e.g.asfuelthroughtheend-of-wasterouteforfuels)�.

2.1.3

2.1.4

2.1.5

2.1.6


�

4.ThedistinctionissimilartothedistinctiondrawnbytheEnvironmentAgency’sPosition Statement on The Environmental Regulation of Woodbetweencleanandtreatedwastewood.Treatedwastewoodissubjecttostricterregulatorycontrolsonitsuseandend-of-wastestatus.

2.2 Feedstocks

Onlybiomassfeedstocksareconsideredforproducingbiochar.

Thefeedstockusedtoproducethebiocharmustbereported.Mixed

feedstocksareacceptableandshouldbereportedonapercentagedrymassbasis.

Somefeedstocksmaycontainmaterialsotherthantheintended

feedstock,suchasplastics,stones,metalsorglass.Thesecontaminantsinthefeedstockmustbelessthan0.25%byadrymassbasis(providedthatthebiocharmeetsthedesignatedcriteriasetoutinthisdocument)�.AsuggestedmethodusedtodeterminethecontaminationlevelisatAnnexEofPAS100:2011.

Anydilutantsormineral additionsthatconstitute10%ormorebydry

weightofthefeedstockmaterialmustbereportedasafeedstockcomponent.

Feedstocksmaybedividedintowaste and non-waste categories.

Thishasregulatoryimplicationsaswaste management controlsareappliedtowastes.

Non-wastefeedstocksproducebiocharswhicharenotconsidered

tobewastesprovidedthatthebiocharisnotintendedtobediscardedorotherwisedis�osed of. S�ecific controls do not e��ist in theUKfortheuseofnon-wastebiochar,butallrelevantenvironmentallegislationmustbecompliedwith(suchastheEnvironmentalProtectionActandtheWaterFrameworkDirective)�.

Wastefeedstocksproducebiocharswhichareclassed

aswastes,andaresubjecttowastemanagementcontrolsunlessthebiocharis‘recovered’ by achieving an end of waste submission.ThisisdealtwithingreaterdetailinSection4.

Itistheresponsibilityofthe�roducer to define if the bio�ass

feedstock(s)�intendedtobeusedinthebiocharproductionprocessisawasteoranon-wasteaccordingtonationalguidelines.

Somewastematerialsarelowerriskthanothers,andrequirements

formakinganendofwastecasewillbemoreeasilyachieved.Forexample:untreatedwastewoodislesslikelytocontaintoxicantsthanpreservative-orpaint-treatedwastewood,and,allelsebeingequal,itwillbeeasiertoachieveanendofwastestatus.4

Importedfeedstocks(wastesornon-wastes)�maybeused

providingthatfullsustainabilityreportingrequirementsaremet,asoutlinedinsection3.

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

2.2.4

2.2.5

2.2.6

2.2.7

2.2.8

2.2.9

2.2.10

TherearethreesustainabilityschemeswhichtheBQMhasdrawnupon:

•TheEURenewableEnergyDirective (RED)�5stipulatethatforliquidbiofuels, a35%reductioninlifecycle greenhousegasemissionscompared totheliquidfossilfuelthatitsubstitutes for(petroleum,diesel,etc.)�must beachievedforthebiofuelto contributetomeetingtheEU’sRED targets.TheUKgovernmenthas appliedtherequirementtobiofuel supplierswhowishtoreceive compensationpaymentsforsupplyof biofuelsundertheRenewables Obligation(RO)�.Theprovisionsof theREDdonotapplytotheuseof solidbiomass,buttheEuropean Commissionhasrecommendedthat MemberStatesapplysimilar sustainabilitycriteriatosolidbiomass forbioenergyfacilitiesover1MW thermalorelectricalcapacity.


3. Sustainability of Biomass Feedstocks3.1 Sustainability Schemes

Inadditiontofeedstockrequirementswhichimpactuponthematerialpropertiesofthebiocharitself,itisnecessarytoproducebiocharinanenvironmentallysustainableway.ThesustainabilityoffeedstocksmustthereforebeconsideredundertheBQM.

10

3.1.1

3.1.2 •TheUKGovernmentproposesto assuresustainabilityofsolid biomassfeedstocksupplyas setoutintheconsultationdocument “BiomassElectricity&Combined Heat&Powerplants–ensuring sustainabilityandaffordability”.6

•TheUKGovernmentalreadyrequires thatallgovernmentalsourcingof woodandwoodproductsmustbe undertakenaccordingtothe standardssetoutbyCPET7,which aimstoharmoniseUKwoodimports withtherequirementsunderthe EUTimberRegulation20108.The UKGovernmentalsoproposed tousetheCPETstandardfor assessingthesustainabilityofall biomasssupplies,whetherproduced domesticallyorimported.

5.Directive2009/28/ECoftheEuropeanParliamentandoftheCouncilonthepromotionoftheuseofenergyfrom renewablesources,2009.6. Available at htt�s��//www.gov.uk/govern�ent/u�loads/syste�/u�loads/attach�ent_data/file/66519/6339- consultation-on-biomass-electricity--combined-hea.pdf7.UKGovernment’sCentralpointofexpertisefortimberprocurementbythepublicsector’,http://www.cpet.org.uk8.Regulation(EU)�No995/2010OfTheEuropeanParliamentAndOfTheCouncil.LayingDownTheObligationsOf OperatorsWhoPlaceTimberAndTimberProductsOnTheMarket,2010.

3.2.1


11

9. CPETProvideusefulguidelinesonthese:http://www.cpet.org.uk/uk-government-timber-procurement-policy/ timber-guidance10. Forthedetailsbehindthiscalculationseethedocument“BiocharRiskAssessmentFramework:mitigating theriskofunsustainableprovisionofbiomassforbiocharandbioenergyproduction”,UKBRC2012,available athttp://www.biochar.ac.uk/

3.2 Sustainable biomass provision bQm requirements

TheBQMSustainableBiomassProvisionSchemeconsistsofthreeparts:

i. Monitoringthesourceofthe biomass(includingchainof custody)�; ii. Evidencethatthebiomasssource waslegallyandsustainably managed; iii. Greenhousegas(GHG)�lifecycle assessmenttoensureaminimum GHGsavingismetcomparedto alternativeuseofthebiomass.

Biocharproducerswillneedto�rovide sufficient evidence that

theseconditionsaremet,usingexistingguidanceandreportingschemesasnecessary.ExamplesofpotentialschemesthatcanbeevaluatedforsuitabilityareprovidedinAppendixC.

Q1:Arethesethreecriteriaoutlinedin3.2.1reasonable?Arethesustainabilitycertification sche�es in A��endi�� C appropriate?

FollowingtheCPETguidelines,twotypesofevidencetomeettherequirementswillbeaccepted:

•recognisedcertificationschemes (listedinAppendixC)�;or

•documentaryevidencewhichis credibleandwillbejudgedon acase-by-casebasisbytheproject develo�er and verified by the third �arty certifier.

Itispermissibletomixevidencetypes,forexampletoprovide

certification evidence for the source and sustainabilityofthebiomassbutprovidedocumentaryevidenceforthelifecycleemissionsminimumsaving.

Biocharsystemswillbeexemptfromsustainabilityreportingand

complyingwiththerequirementsin3.2.1iftheyconsumebelow4odtperdayoffeedstock(or1,350odtperyear,whicheverisless)�.ThisexemptionisbasedonrecommendationsintheUKGovernment’s“BiomassElectricity&CombinedHeat&Powerplants–ensuringsustainabilityandaffordability”consultationdocumentwhichappliestobioenergysystems.Theconsultationstatesthatfacilitiesbelow1MWthermalorelectricalcapacityshouldbeexemptfromsustainabilityreporting.Theequivalentfeedstockconsumptionhasbeencalculatedat4odtperday,aselectricalorthermalcapacityisnotanappropriatewaytomeasurethescaleofbiocharproducingsystems.10

3.2.3

3.2.4

3.2.53.2.2

InlinewiththeUKGovernment’sconsultation,wastefeedstocksare

exemptfromthesustainabilityreportingrequirementsoutlinedin3.2.1,exceptforthe first require�ent “Monitoring the source ofthebiomass”,forwhichchainofcustodydocumentswillhavetobeprovided.Anyimportedwastefeedstockshouldcomplywithalltherequirementsin3.2.1.

Inthelargemajorityofcases,feedstocksustainabilityissues

areonlyrelevanttothemainproductorby-products,nottotheassociatedwastessinceitisveryunlikelythatdemandforarecoveredwaste(asopposedtotheproductorby-products)�wouldeverdrivefeedstockextraction.Thereis,however,asmallriskthatunsustainablenon-wastefeedstocksbedeclared“wastes”toavoidsustainabilityrequirements.Producersofbiocharfromwasteshouldjustifytheirexclusionfromsustainabilityreportingbyprovidingsummaryinformationonthewastefeedstock,includingtheWastetoProductRatio(WPR)�inquantity,energyandeconomicterms.

TheowneroftheBQMwillundertakeayearlycheckofasampleofwaste

feedstockswithrespecttosustainabilityissuesandiftheaforementionedriskappearstobeevident,thissectionoftheBQMwouldthen be �odified to include sustainability reportingofwastes.


1�

3.2.6 Q2:Isthe4odt/daylimitappropriate?Isittoohighorlow?Howcanweavoidplacinganunduestrainonsmallbusinesses?

3.3 monitoring the source of biomass

Inordertoimprovedataonbiomassuse,REDrecommends

thatMemberStateskeeprecordsoftheoriginofprimarybiomassusedinelectricity,heatingandcoolinginstallationsof1MWorabove,inordertoimprovestatisticsonbiomassuseandtomonitortheeffectsofbiomassuseontheareasoforigin.Thiscanbedonebyapplyingthe“traceability”concepttobiomasssustainabilityschemes.

Thetermtraceabilitydescribesthepracticeoftracingproduction,

useorlocationofacertainmaterial.Forfinal �roducts this can cover the origin ofmaterialandpartsoftheproductionhistory.Traceabilitycoversnotonlythebasicrequirementsthatproductscanbetracedbackandforththroughoutthesupplychainfromorigintothepointoffinal delivery but also the �ossibility of specifyingwhattheirpropertiesare,e.g.whattheyaremadefromandhowtheyhavebeenprocessed.

3.2.7

3.2.8

3.3.1

3.3.2


1�

TheBQMdoesnotrecommendonemethodologyorevaluation

methodoveranothertotracethebiomassused,butratherleavesittotheproducertoprepareaconvincingcasebaseduponitsownunderstandingoftheinformationrequirementstosecuresustainablefeedstocks.

Moreinformationonhowtotracebackbiomassfeedstockscanbe

found in the recognised certification sche�es listedinAppendixC.

3.4. evidence that the biomass source was legally and sustainably managed

Inthecontextofsustainabledevelo��ent, it is justifiable to

usebiomasssourcesifanenvironmentallyandsociallyresponsibleproductionofthebiomassisensured.Inordertoachievethis,theBQMsuggeststhatanysustainablebiomassprovisionschemeshouldfollowsixprincipleswhichnotonlyaimatthepreventionofecologicaldamagebutalsomaintainadequateworkingconditionsandtheprotectionofthehealthofworkers.Theseprinciplesarethefollowing:

Biomassshallnotbeproducedonlandwithhighbiodiversityvalueor

highcarbonstocksandnotfrompeatland.ThisprincipleisinlinewiththerequirementsofArticle17.3oftheRED.Additionally,utilizationofbiomassobtainedfromareaswithlocally,nationallyorinternationallyrecognisedenvironmentaldesignations(seesection7.1)�shouldbeavoidedunlessthebiomassextractionisapartofarecognisedenvironmentalmanagementplan.

Biomassshallbeproducedinanenvironmentallyresponsibleway

byfollowinggoodagriculturalpracticesthatshouldensuretheprotectionofsoil,waterandairthroughmechanismsthatmeasureandmitigateanynegativeenvironmentalimpactofpotentialbiomassproductionactivities.

Guaranteesafeconditionsforworkersthroughtrainingand

education,useofprotectiveequipmentandproperandtimelyassistanceintheeventofaccidents.

Biomassproductionshallnotviolatehumanlabourrightsor

landrights.

Biomassproductionshalltakeplaceincompliancewithall

applicableregionalandnationallawsandshallfollowrelevantinternationaltreaties.

Goodmanagementpracticesshallbeimplementedbygoodrecord

keepingandinternalselfassessment,evidenceofcompliancewithsustainabilityschemeswithapplicableregionalornationallaws,andgoodtrackrecordofsitehistoryandmanagement.

3.3.3

3.3.4

3.4.1

3.4.2

3.4.3

3.4.4

3.4.5

3.4.6

3.4.7

3.5 Greenhouse Gas Life Cycle assessment

Lifecycleassessment(LCA)�shouldassessthefulllifecycleof

biocharsystems,includingproductionandtransportationofthefeedstocks,andfollowappropriateguidelinessuchastheISO14040seriesandPAS2050.

Direct land use change(LUC)�emissionmeasurementisincluded

atpresentinEURenewableEnergyDirectiveguidelines.11However,indirect land use changeemissions(iLUC)�arenotandtheUK’sCommitteeonClimateChangestronglyrecommendsthatitisincludedinthefuture;theEuropeanCommissionhasreleasedaproposalonhowtoincludeiLUCfactorswhenconsideringliquidbiofuels12,butthisproposalhasyettobeenacted.

TheBQMstronglyrecommendsconsiderationofbothLUCandiLUC

emissionswhencalculatingGHGlifecycleassessmentsforbiocharsystems.Since,asyet,thereisnostandardoniLUCfactors,thebiocharproducershouldmakeacaseand�rovide a��ro�riate justification.

Theminimumgreenhousegassavingsforsolidbiomassfor

bioenergy(onalifecyclebasis)�havebeenrecommended(butnotrequired)�bytheEuropeanCommissiontobesetat35%savingcomparedtothefossilfuelequivalent,risingto50%in2017and60%in2018forsolidandgaseousbiomassusedinelectricityandheatgeneration.

TherecentUKBioenergyConsultation“BiomassElectricity&

CombinedHeat&Powerplants–ensuringsustainabilityandaffordability”recommends


1�

3.5.1

thatthemaximumgreenhousegasemissionswhichnewbioenergyfacilitiesmustachieve(onalifecyclebasis)�are240kgCO2eq/MWh,decreasingto200kgCO2eq/MWhin2020.

TheBQMproposesthatbiocharsystemsmustachieve

afavourablegreenhousegas(GHG)�balanceoverthelife-cycle.Favourableinthiscontextrequiresthatthemaximumnetlife-cycleGHGemissionsperunitoffeedstockconsumedhavetobelowerthantherespectivelife-cycleGHGemissionsperunitfeedstockwerethatbiomasstobecombustedinsteadinamodernbioenergyfacility.

Sincetheprimaryenergyvalueofdifferentfeedstocksdiffers,as

doesthecarbonstabilityofbiocharcarbonand the efficiency of energy conversion technologies,theBQMcannotprovideasinglevalueofnetGHGemissionsperunitoffeedstockthatshouldnotbeexceeded.Hence,thebiocharproducershoulddevelopanLCAtocalculatethenetGHGemissionsofthebiocharsystemandmakethecomparisonagainstthebioenergyemissiontargetsgivenin3.5.5.

AsuggestedmethodologyforcalculationofnetGHGemissions

forbiocharsystemsandcomparisonagainst3.5.5isincludedinAppendixF.

Q3: Doestheproposedmethodologysuggestedin3.5seemreasonable,andtobethecorrectmethod?Canabettersolutionbefound?

3.5.3

3.5.4

3.5.6

12.ProposalforaDirectiveoftheEuropeanParliamentandoftheCouncilamendingdirective98/70/ecrelating tothequalityofpetrolanddieselfuelsandamendingdirective2009/28/econthepromotionoftheuseof energyfromrenewablesources,COM(2012)�595.Availablefrom:http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/ biofuels/doc/biofuels/com_2012_0595_en.pdf

3.5.2

3.5.5

3.5.7

3.5.8


1�

4.1 Waste controls

TheEuropeanWasteFrameworkDirective13 defines a waste as

“anysubstanceorobjectwhichtheholderdiscardsorintendsorisrequiredtodiscard”.OnceamaterialisconsideredawasteitmustgothrougharecoveryoperationrecognisedbytheWasteFrameworkDirectivetobeconsideredanon-wasteandwastemanagementcontrolsarethenremoved.

Ifbiocharismadefromawastematerialitwillbeclassedasawaste

untilanendofwastestatusisgiven.

Awastematerialcannotbeappliedtosoilunlessanexemptionhas

beenregisteredorapermithasbeengrantedbytherelevantUKenvironmentalregulatoryauthority14.

4.1.1

4.1.2

4.1.3

4. Waste controls and the BQMGeneralcommentsontheprocessoutlinedinthissectionareinvited.So�e s�ecific questions are��

Q4: How difficult will it be to achieve success with an end-of-waste a��lication?

Q5:Whatwouldtheapplicanthavetodemonstrateinanend-of-wastesubmission?

Q6: Would the a��licant have to de�onstrate agricultural or ecological benefit to soils whenapplyingbiochar?

Q7: WouldmeetingtherequirementsoftheBQMaidanapplicant’send-of-waste submission?

Q8: AtwhatpointdoesanEnd-of-Wasteconsentoccur?

13.Directive2008/98/EC14.EnvironmentAgencyinEnglandandWales;ScottishEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyinScotland;Northern IrelandEnvironmentAgencyinNorthernIreland.

Therearetwoscenariosforwastematerialtobeconvertedandused

asqualitybiochar,andathirdthatwouldseeitusedinanon-soilapplicationsuchasafuel,ifitfailedasabiochar.Theseare:

•Applyforanend-of-wastestatus forthematerialthroughan“endof waste–producttoland”submission. Ifsuccessful,thematerialwillnolonger beconsideredawaste,andwillreceive a“high”(orpossibly“standard”)�grade biocharstatus,accordingtothequality �ro�erties s�ecified in section 6.

•Ifan“endofwaste”submissionfails, thenthecharwouldstillbeconsidered awasteandanexemptionwouldneed toberegisteredorapermitgrantedfor thematerialtobeappliedasbiochar tosoils.Itispossiblethatmanychars stillconsideredawastewillbe categorizedas“standardgrade” biocharbutonlyifitcomplieswiththe quality �ro�erties s�ecified in section 6.

• If the char is dee�ed unfit to be used asbiocharinagriculturaland horticulturalsoilsduetocontamination levels above those s�ecified for quality biocharinsection6,thenitcouldstill beusedasafuel.TheBQMdoes notprovideanyguidanceonnon-soil applicationsofcharhowever. Furthermore,theBQMdoesnot(at �resent) �rovide s�ecific guidance foruseofbiocharaslandremediation technology(e.g.removalofheavy metalsfromcontaminatedsoils)�,but futureversionscanincludesuch guidancewithdifferentregulatory implications.


1�

4.1.4 NotethatanexemptionhasalreadybeengrantedinScotland

inanInterimPositionStatementbySEPA15.Forcertainwastetypestobeprocessedintobiocharatsmallscale,andthenappliedtolandforeitheragriculturalorecological benefit a si��le e��e��tion registrationisrequired.

Thenon-wastebiocharwillbecategorizedaccordingtothis

mandateas“highgrade“or“standardgrade”accordingtothepropertiess�ecified in section 6. It is �ore likely that non-wastebiocharwillbecategorizedas“highgrade”,although“endofwaste–productstoland”accreditedbiocharswouldqualifyforthiscategoryaswell(�roviding they �eet the s�ecified properties)�.Itisalsoexpectedthatsomenon-wastematerialswillnotachieve“highgrade”statusandwillendupinthe“standardgrade”category.

4.1.5

4.1.6

15.SEPAPositionStatement,WST-PS-031,ManufactureanduseofBiocharfromWaste,2012.


1�

16.Pointstakenfromhttp://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/138659.aspx

4.2 end-of-Waste requirements

The“EndofWaste–ProductstoLand”guidanceoutlinesthreepoints

whichmustbemetinorderforawastetoberecoveredandendofwastestatusachieved:

•thewastehasbeenconvertedintoa distinctandmarketableproduct. Evidenceofthiscouldinclude: distinctionbetweenoriginalwasteand convertedproductandIntended markets;

•thewaste-derivedproductcanbeused inexactlythesamewayasnon-waste virginmaterialand;

•thewaste-derivedproductcan be stored and used with ‘no worse’ environmentaleffectwhencompared totherawmaterialitisintendedto replace.Evidenceofthiscouldinclude analyticalcomparisonstonon-waste virginmaterialsonthemarkettoday16.

Thecriteriaforendofwasteareinterpretedandappliedbythe

relevantenvironmentalregulatoryauthoritywhowillconsiderwhether,intheirview,awaste-derivedproducthasachievedendofwastestatuswithinthemeaningoftheWasteFrameworkDirective(2008/98/EC)�andrelevantEuropean,English,Scottish,NorthernIrishandWelshcaselawande��erience on the definition of waste; in particular,theCourtofAppealOSSendofwastetestandwhetherthatproductcanthenbeappliedtoland.

Q9:DoWalesandNorthernIrelandhavetheir own legal syste�s to define waste? i.e. separatecase-lawlikeScotlanddoes?

Furtherdetailsandinstructionsonhowtobeginanendofwastesubmissioncanbefoundat:

•http://www.environment-agency.gov. uk/business/sectors/138659.aspx

•http://www.sepa.org.uk/waste/ waste_regulation/idoc.ashx?docid= 08a49c7b-2e0d-478a-b1ff94275aab6 203&version=-1

Producersandusersofbiocharshouldnotethat,evenifan

“endofwastesubmission”isacceptedandcompliedwith,thematerialwillbecomewasteagainandsubjecttowastemanagementcontrolsifatanystageitisdiscardedorthereisarequirementorintentiontodiscardit,forexampleif:

•itisdisposedof;or

• it is stored indefinitely with little prospectofbeingused;or

• under the rules of a certification scheme,approvedstandard,orfor anyotherreasonthematerialhasto bereprocessedordisposedofas waste;

•Thematerialmayalsobecome wasteagainifpriortouseitisstored forsuchatimeorinsuchamanner thatitisnolongersuitableforthe useitisdestinedfor.

Inaddition,ifanon-wastematerialismixedwithwaste

materials,theresultingmixwillnormallybeconsideredtobeawasteandsubjecttowastemanagementcontrols.Ifnon-wastematerialismixedwithnon-wastematerials,theresultingmixwillnotbeconsideredawaste.

4.2.1

4.2.2

4.2.3

4.2.4

4.2.5

Figure1inSection6illustratesthepointatwhichbiocharceasesto

beawasteandsummarizestheconceptsdiscussedinsections4.1and4.2.

4.3 Compliance with the Waste incineration Directive

Q10:PleasecommentonthebelowinterpretationoftheWIDtoensurethatthepyrolysisofbiomasswiththeintentionofproducingbiocharadherestotherequirementsoftheWID.Themainquestioniswhetherthebiochar,asthedesiredproductoftheprocesswhichisnotdestinedtobeincinerated,wouldbesubjecttotherequirementsoftheWID(e.g.<3%organiccarboncontentinanyresidues)�.

TheWasteIncinerationDirective(WID)�17appliestotheincineration,

�yrolysis and gasification of waste �aterials, andprimarilyaimstolimitpollutionfromsuchprocesses.Evenifawaste-derivedbiocharachievesendofwastestatus,theconversionprocessfromfeedstocktobiocharwouldstillbecoveredbytheWID,asthefeedstockisclassedasawaste.Thereare,however,anumberofexceptions.

Facilitieswhichprocessonlycertainlow-riskwastesareexemptfromthe

requirementsoftheWID,mostnotably:

•Vegetablewastefromagriculture andforestry;

•Woodwastewiththeexception ofwoodwastewhichmaycontain halogenatedorganiccompounds


1�

orheavy metalsasaresultof treatmentwithwoodpreservativesor coating,andwhichincludesin particularsuchwoodwaste originatingfromconstructionand demolitionwaste.

Furthermore,pyrolysisandgasification are only included

“insofarasthesubstancesresultingfromthetreatmentaresubsequentlyincinerated”18.Thisappearstomeanthatbiochar(providingitisnotintendedtobeincinerated)�isnotincludedintherequirementsoftheWID.Anysyngasandvapours/liquidswhicharegeneratedthroughpyrolysisandareincineratedwouldbeincluded.

Residuesfromthermaltreatmentofwastesareincludedinthe

provisionsoftheWID.Residuesinthe conte��t of the WID are defined as “any solid or liquid �aterial … defined aswaste19inArticle1(a)�ofDirective75/442/EEC,whichisgeneratedbytheincinerationorco-incinerationprocess”.Inthecontextofbiocharproductionsystems,biocharisnotincineratedorco-incinerated,andsocannotbeconsideredaresidueofincineration.Anysolidorliquidashfromtheincinerationofsyngasandvapours/liquidswouldberequiredtomeettheconditionsoftheWIDonresidues.

Experimentalplantsusedforresearch,developmentand

testinginordertoimprovetheincinerationprocessandwhichtreatlessthan50tonnesofwasteperyearareexemptfromtherequirementsoftheWID.

4.3.2

4.3.4

4.3.5

4.2.6

4.3.1

4.3.3

17. Directive2000/76/ECoftheEuropeanParliamentandoftheCouncilof4December2000ontheincineration ofwaste.18.WID2000/76/EC;Article3.419. Article 1(a) of Directive 75/442/EEC defines waste as�� “waste �eans any substance or object which the holder disposesoforisrequiredtodisposeofpursuanttotheprovisionsofnationallawinforce”


1�

Synthesisgasproducedmustbecombustedbeforebeingemittedto

theatmosphereorotherwisecapturedandsubsequentlyusedorconverted.

Vapoursmustbeeithercombustedorcondensedintoliquidsand

convertedorotherwiseusedordisposedofaccordingtoappropriateregulation.

5. Production5.1 types of biochar producing technology

Theequipmentusedtocreatebiocharcanvarygreatlyincomplexity;fro� a si��le dru� of bio�ass heated over a fire to an auto�atic-feed continuous flow unit recycling heat and �ossibly �roducing bio-electricity.

All fla��able �roducts in exhaustgasmustbecombusted

beforebeingemittedtotheatmosphere.Particulateemissionsmustbewithintheregulatoryrequirements,asshouldemissionsofNOx,SOxandotherairbornepollutantssuchasorganiccarbon,blackcarbonandparticulates.

5.1.1

5.1.2

5.1.3

5.1.4


5.2 Complying with Legislation

Allrelevantlegislationandlegalobligationsrelatingtoindustrialoperationsmustbecompliedwith.

WheretheWIDappliestopyrolysissystems,anycombustedproducts

andresultantemissionsorresiduesmustcomplywithrequirements.TheWIDrulethattheashofcombustedproductsmustcontainlessthan3%organiccarbondoesnotapplytohighgradeorstandardgradebiocharproducts,as:

•thebiocharisnotcombusted;and

•thebiocharisnotaresidueinthis context.

If,however,thebiocharisdeemedtobeunsuitableforadditiontosoil

andentersanalternativeendofwasteroute(suchasforfuelproducts)�therulein5.2.2mightapply,anditistheresponsibilityofthe�roducer to define this with the regulators.

Activitiesinvolvingpyrolysisandcarbonisationarecoveredbythe

existingprovisionsofthePollutionPreventionControl(PPC)�regulations,withtheexceptionof charcoal �aking. Charcoal fines are one �otential source of biochar and use of fines


�0

5.2.1

asasoilamendmentcouldbepreferabletoexistingdisposalpractices.Wherefines are dis�osed of, they are a waste anditwouldbenecessarytogothroughend-of-wastefortheiruseasbiochar.TheissuesaroundthesustainabilityofcharcoalmakingarecomplexbecauseifcharcoalisnotproducedintheUK,thenitwilllikelybeimportedandthereisnocontroloveritsproductionconditionsorthesustainabilityofthebiomassused.Hence,withoutcontrolsovercharcoalimports,thereisnoguaranteethatstrengtheningregulationofcharcoalmakingintheUKwillhavetheintendedeffectofenvironmentalimprovement(andcouldhavetheoppositeeffect)�.Thepreferredsolutionwouldbetoestablishproductionandsustainabilitycriteriaforcharcoalthatwouldbeappliedtoallsources,domesticorimported.However,thisisbeyondthescopeoftheBQMandwillnotbeconsideredfurtherhere.

Asforanyindustrialprocess,itistheresponsibilityofthe

producertokeepup-to-datewithregardstoanychangesinlegislationregardingproduction,processingandapplicationofbiochar.

TheCleanAirAct(1993)�,enforcedthroughlocalairpollutionregulationsmustbeadheredto.

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.5

5.2.4

5.2.6

Images courtesy of Ondrej Masek, UKBRC.


�1

4.ThedistinctionissimilartothedistinctiondrawnbytheEnvironmentAgency’sPosition Statement on The Environmental Regulation of Woodbetweencleanandtreatedwastewood.Treatedwastewoodissubjecttostricterregulatorycontrolsonitsuseandend-of-wastestatus.

5.3 Sampling methodologies for batches of biochar

Abatchsamplingprogrammeshouldbedevelopedbybiochar

producersbasedontheirownproductionprocessandtheperiodsofproduction.Aproducer-ledapproachisnecessaryduetopotentialdifferencesincontaminantconcentrationsincurrentversushistoricalproduction.

AsuggestedmethodologyfortestingbatchesofbiocharisBSEN12579

forcompost,whichestablishesasamplingprotocolthathasbeendesignedtogivearepresentativesampleofthebatch(es)�orportionofproductionfromwhichitisobtained.

5.3.3 Itistheresponsibilityoftheproducertodemonstratethatthey

haveaconsistentandreasonablyuniformqualitybiocharproduct.

Q11:Howcana“reasonableuniformqualitybiochar batch be defined? Can it be done by a+/-givenpercentageofkeyparametersinbiochar?Orisitmoregivenbytheconsistencyofthefeedstock?E.g.plus/minus10%changeinfeedstockproperties?Orconsistencyoffeedstockplusconditionsofproduction?

Q12:isthereanyothermethodologythatcanbeused?

5.3.1

5.3.2

5.3.3


Forsomebiocharsamplesitmaybenecessarytotestforpolychlorinated

biphenyl(PCB)�,furansanddioxins(PCDDs/PCDFs)�.Thesecompoundsareassociatedwiththepresenceofchlorineinthefeedstock.Providedthatthefeedstockcontainsverylowlevelsofchlorine(i.e.nohigherthantheconcentrationofchlorinefoundinplantsgrowinginnon-salineenvironments)�theriskofdioxinformationattoxiclevelsislow.Atpresent,however,we do not have sufficient understanding oftherelationshipbetweenchlorineinthefeedstock,pyrolysisproductionvariablesandconditionsandformationofPCBs,furansanddioxins.

Therefore,wherethereisanon-trivialriskofthePCBs,PCDDs

andPCDFsforming,theBQMproposesaprecautionaryapproachandtesting.Ifthefeedstockis:awastethathasbeencontaminatedbyplasticsorotherchemicalscontainingchlorine;non-wastefeedstocksgrowninenvironmentswithpotentiallyhighconcentrationsofchlorine,foodwaste,wastetreatedwithwoodpreservativesorcoatings,andbiomassgrowninsoilcontaminatedwithhighbrinelevels,thentestingforPCDDs(dioxins)�,PCDFs(furans)�andPCBsshouldbeundertaken.


6. Testing Requirements for Quality Biochar6.1 Quality properties of biochar

ThenecessarytestingrequiredforaBQMgradingis:elementalanalysis(HCN), �otential to��ic ele�ents (‘heavy �etals’) content and �otential organicpollutants(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),benzene,toluene,ethyl-benzeneandxylene–(BTEX)�)�(seetable2)�.These

necessarybasicpropertiesareimportanttodifferentiateaquality biocharfromanyothermaterial.

��

6.1.1

6.1.2 Asunderstandingoftherisksofthesechemicalsbeingproduced

duringpyrolysisimproves,theBQMwillbe u�dated with �ore s�ecific advice and recommendations.

Q13:Isthisideaofexemptingcertainbiocharsfromexpensivetestingrequirementsgoingtobeacceptabletoregulators?Ifso,whatlevelofevidencemustbeprovided?e.g.elementalanalysisoffeedstock;orliteraturevaluesforfeedstock?

Bothfeedstockcompositionandthepyrolysisprocesshavean

influence u�on the basic �ro�erties and toxicantconcentrationintheresultantqualitybiochar.Itisimportantthereforetodescribethefeedstockandpyrolysisproductionconditionsand,wherenecessary(e.g.whereanovelfeedstockisbeingused)�,totestthismaterialinordertodetermineitscharacteristics(formanyfeedstocks,existingpublishedorotherwiseavailabledataoncharacteristicsand�ro�erties will be sufficient).

Additionally,foradvancedunderstandingofbiocharand

its benefits for soil enhance�ent,quality biocharcanbetestedforthepropertiesmarkedas“optional”inTable2.

6.1.3

6.1.4

6.1.5

6.1.6

neCeSSarY baSiC prOpertieS Criteria Unit SUGGeSteD metHOD(S)1

Heavymetalcontent Declaration SeeTable3 SeeTable3

PAHsandBTEX Declaration SeeTable3 SeeTable3

PCB’s,DioxinsandFurans(Ifrequired)� Declaration SeeTable4 SeeTable4

pH Declaration pHRajkovichetal.(2011)�2;DIN10390;BSEN13037;

Moisturecontent Declaration %bydrymassASTMD1762-84;BSEN13040

OrganicCarbon(Corg)�

≥10%, irrespectiveofthequalitybiochargrade

%ofdrymassASTMD4373-02;BSEN13039

TotalCarbon(C)� Declaration %ofdrymass BSEN15104

Hydrogen(H)� Declaration %ofdrymass BSEN15104

H:Corg

0.7(maximum)�irrespectiveofthequalitybiochargrade

Molarratio RatioofCorgandH

TotalNitrogen(N)� Declaration %ofdrymass BSEN15104

C:N Declaration Molarratio RatioofCandN

TotalAsh Declaration %ofdrymassBSEN13039ASTMD1762-84

TotalPhosphorus(P)� Declaration %ofdrymass

Modified dry ashing followedbyICP(EndersandLehmann2012)�3

BSEN13650

TotalPotassium(K)� Declaration %ofdrymass

Modified dry ashing followedbyICP(EndersandLehmann2012)�BSEN13650

Waterholdingcapacity Declarationmlpergramme

Funnel and filter �a�er method;Hilgardcupmethod(simple)�;DIN51718;TGA701D4C

Bulkdensity Declarationkgortonnesperm3

Massandvolumedetermination.

Particlesizedistribution Declarationmmorµm ASTMD2862-

10


��

20.Theseareonlysuggestedmethodologies.Laboratoriesshouldbeabletouseanyotheravailable �ethodology as long as they are certified by accredited certification bodies. 21.Rajkovich,S.,Enders,A.,Hanley,K.,Hyland,C.,Zimmerman,A.R.,andLehmann,J.(2011)�.Corngrowth andnitrogennutritionafteradditionsofbiocharswithvaryingpropertiestoatemperatesoil.BiolFertilSoils.DOI 10.1007/s00374-011-0624-7.PublishedOnline.22.Enders,A.andLehmann,J.(2012)�Comparisonofwetdigestionanddryashingmethodsfortotalelemental analysisofbiochar.CommunicationsinSoilScienceandPlantAnalysis.43:1042–1052.

Table 2A: Necessary properties for quality biochar (see Table 2� on page 26 for optional properties).


��

23.Rayment,G.E.andHigginson,F.R.(1992)�.AustralianLaboratoryHandbookofSoilandWaterChemical Methods.ReedInternationalBooks,Australia/InkataPress,PortMelbourne.24.Wang,T.,CampsArbestain,M.,Hedley,M.,andBishop,P.(2012)�.Predictingphosphorus bioavailabilityfromhigh-ashbiochars.PlantandSoil.DOI10.1007/s11104-012-1131-9.PublishedOnline.

OptiOnaL prOpertieS Criteria Unit SUGGeSteD metHOD(S)1

NeutralisingCapacity Optional %CaCO3 Rayment&Higginson(1992)�4

ElectricalConductivity Optional dS/mRajkovichetal.(2011)�BSEN13038

CationExchangeCapacity(K,Ca,Mg,Na)�

Optional cmol+/kgAmmonium-acetate(orBaCl2extraction)�thenICP-OES

Porosity OptionalRatioofporevolume/bulkVolume

e.g.mercuryintrusionporosimetry

S�ecific surface area / total surface area

Optional m2/g

Adsorptionmethod(e.g.BET)�;ASTMD6556-10;ISO9277

Labilecarboncontent/volatilematter Optional %ofdrymassIncubationstudies;ASTMD1762-84

Long-termstablecarbon Optional %ofdrymassAcceleratedageing(oxidative)�method

AvailableP Optional mg/kg

2%formicacidfollowedbyspectrophotometryasdescribedbyWangetal(2012)�5

MineralN Optional%ofdrymassormg/kg

KClorCaCl2extractionfollowedbyspectrophotometry(RaymentandHigginson1992)�

Releasedynamicsofnutrients(P,K,N)� Optional%ofdrymassormg/kg

Soilcolumnleachingexperiments

Impactonsoilaggregation Optional Sizedeclaration To be confir�ed

Soilwaterpotential(availablewatercontent)�

Optional g/gorg/cm3Tensiontableandpressureplate

Primingpotential(impactsonSOC)� Optional %/% Incubationstudies

Thermalanalysis Optional uV/mgThermogravimetry-differentialscanningcalorimetry(TG-DSC)�

Table 2�: Optional properties for quality biochar (see Table 2A on page 25 for necessary properties).


��

Q14.ShouldnecessarypropertiesincludebothtotalNandmineralN?

6.2 permissible limits of toxicants

AllqualitybiocharmustbetestedforallthetoxicantslistedinTable3and,

ifrequired,thechemicalslistedintable4.

The tested biochar will be certified as“highgrade”or“standardgrade”

dependingonitsqualitycharacteristics.

Thequalitygradewillbedeterminedaccordingtotheconcentrationof

toxicantsinthebiochartested,whichwillbecomparedagainstthemaximumpermissiblelimitslistedinTable3&Table4(ifrequired)�.

A “high grade” certification will mostlikelybeassignedtomaterials

producedfromvirginnon-wastebiomassfeedstocks,andafewmaterialsaccreditedwithendofwastestatus.Anyqualitybiocharcertified with this status will not be subject to applicationcontrols(seeSection7)�.

A “standard grade” certification willmostlikelybeassignedto

materialswithawastestatus.Anynon-wastematerialfailingtocomplywiththequalitycharacteristicsfor“highgrade”biocharwillbe certified as “standard grade biochar”. Any quality biochar certified with this status will be subjecttoapplicationcontrols(seeSection7)�.

Ifa“highgrade”biocharismixedwitha“standardgrade”biochar,

itwillautomaticallyloseits“highgrade”certification.

SuggestedtestingmethodologiesarealsoprovidedinTables3and4.

6.2.1

6.2.4

6.2.5

6.2.6

6.2.2

6.2.3

6.2.7

Images courtesy of Ondrej Masek, UKBRC.


��

Table 3: Limits for quality biochar and appropriate methods for measurement.

toxicantSuggested test

method1

maximum limit suggested for

high grade quality biochar2


standard grade quality biochar3

UnitFrequency of testing

ArsenicDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

10 100 mg/kg

Accordingtobatchsampling

programme(see5.3)�

CadmiumDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

3 39 mg/kg

ChromiumDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

15 100 mg/kg

CopperDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

40 1,500 mg/kg

LeadDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

60 500 mg/kg

Mercury DINEN1483(E12)�;BSISO16772 1 17 mg/kg

ManganeseDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

3,500Limitsetbyregulators?

mg/kg

MolybdenumDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

10 75 mg/kg

NickelDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

10 600 mg/kg

SeleniumDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

5 100 mg/kg

ZincDINENISO17294-2(E29)�;BSEN13650(solubleinaquaregia)�

150 2,800 mg/kg

PAHs(sumofUSEPA16)�

DINEN155272008-09;DINISO13877:1995-06–PrincipleBwithGC-MS(tolueneextractionwithASE)�;BSEN15527:2008

Lessthan20 Lessthan20mg/kg

TM

BETX To be confir�ed To be confir�ed To be confir�ed Tobeconfir�ed


��

Q15:IsitnecessarytohaveanyMPLforManganese?Anycommentsfromregulatorsregardingthismatterareappreciated.

Q16:WhatarerecommendedMPLforBETXandtestmethods?Isitnecessarytoinclude?

QualitybiocharmustbetestedforthetoxicantslistedinTable4onlyifthereisariskthatthebiomassfeedstockusedforitsproductionmightcontainexcessiveconcentrationsofchlorineduetoitsnature(see6.1.2)�.

AnyqualitybiochartestedforthesetoxicantsmustcomplywiththemaximumpermissiblelimitslistedinTable4.

Alltestsmustbecarriedoutbyanaccreditedlaboratory.

Anymaterialfailingtocomplywiththequalitycriterialistedinthissectionwillnotbe certified as BQM quality biochar and theirapplicationtosoilsforagricultural,horticulturalorfood-relatedpurposesisnotadvised.

Figure1illustratesthepointatwhichbiocharceasestobeawasteandsummarizestheconceptsdiscussedinsections4and6.

28. Taken fro� “Standardized Product Definition and Product Testing Guidelines for BiocharThat Is Used in Soil. InternationalBiocharInitiative,2013.29.Ibid30.InternationalToxicityEquivalent

Table 4: Safe limits for quality biochar and appropriate methods for measurement

toxicantSuggested test method


high grade quality biochar


standard grade quality biochar

UnitFrequency of

test

Dioxins/Furans AIRDF100,HRMS;BSEN1948series Less than 201 ng/kg Accordingto

batchsamplingprogramme

(see5.4)�PCBs AIRDF100,HRMS;BSEN1948series Less than 0.52 mg/kgI-TEQ3


��

Figure 1: Certification process for standard and high grade biochar


��

Ifqualitybiochariscategorisedashighgrade,itisunlikelytocause

harmtohumansorecosystemsduetoitsverylowlevelsofpotentialtoxicants.Althoughtherewillbenoneedforapplicationcontrolsinsoilsforthisgradeofbiochar,userswillstillhavetofollowagriculturalandhandlingbestpractices(seesection7.2)�.

Forqualitybiocharcategorisedasstandardgrade,applicationcontrols

andgoodagriculturalandhandlingpracticeswillhavetobefollowed.

Applicationcontrolsfor“standardgrade”biocharshouldtakeaccount

ofthebackgroundsoilpropertieswheretheapplicationwilltakeplace,includingpotentialtoxicantsandorganiccarboncontent,inordertocomplywithrelevantsoilregulationsandtoavoiddisruptingsoils.Therefore,beforeany“standardgrade”biocharapplicationtakesplace,thesoilshouldbetestedforthebackgroundpropertiesoftoxicantconcentrationslistedinTable6ofAppendixE.

Applicationcontrolsfor“standardgrade”biocharshouldincludean

estimateofthepotentialtoxicantlimitingapplicationrate(PTLAR)�intheagriculturalorecologicalcontextwhereitisintendedtobeused.ThePTLARistherateatwhichstandardgradebiocharcanbeappliedwithoutexceedingMPLsofpotentialtoxicantsinsoil.

7. Use of the Biochar7.1 application of quality biochar in soils

Qualitybiocharmustbeusedsafelyandresponsiblysoasnottoharmhumans,ecosystemsorcausepollution.

7.1.1

7.1.2 SuggestedMPLsofpotentialtoxicantsinsoilarelistedinTable

6ofAppendixE.TheseMPLsareidenticaltothemaximumpermissibleconcentrationofPTEsinsoilprovidedbytheCodeofPracticeforAgriculturaluseofSewageSludge31.AnyelementsorcompoundsnotincludedinthecodeofpracticewerederivedfromthesoilguidelinevaluesprovidedbytheEnvironmentAgency.

AsuggestedmethodologytocalculatePTLARsisprovidedinAppendixE.

Inordertoavoidanapplicationof“standardgrade”biocharreaching

thePTLARinonetime-step,inanyoneyearthemaximumamountofstandardgradebiocharthatcanbeappliedis20%ofthetotalPTLAR.

Q17.Isthislimitappropriate?

7.1.3

7.1.4

7.1.5

7.1.6

7.1.7

7.1.8

31.http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/waterquality/sewage/documents/sludge-cop.pdf


�0

32.http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/waterquality/sewage/documents/sludge-cop.pdf

Analternativeapproachistofollowtheapplicationratelimitssuggested

bythecodeofPracticeforSewageSludge.Usingthisapproach,“Standardgrade”biocharapplicationshouldnotexceedthemaximumpermissibleaverageannualrateofcontaminantadditionovera10yearperiodrequiredbytheCodeofPracticeforAgricultureUseofSewageSludge32.Theannualrateofapplicationofcontaminantstoanysiteshallbedeterminedbyaveragingoverthe10-yearperiodendingwiththeyearofcalculation(year10ofapplication,seeAppendixE)�.

Q18.Whichofthetwoapproachesisbetter/simpler?IsitpreferabletousetheapproachtoapplicationlimitsusedbytheSewageSludgeregulationsoutlinedabove?

Theremaybesituationswherethelimitsonapplicationratesarenot

applicable,forexample,ifbiocharisusedinlandremediationforcontaminatedsites.Thesespecialcasesshouldbediscussedinconsultationwithenvironmentalregulators.

Since no benefits are e��ected fromtheadditionofqualitybiochar

tocarbonrichsoilsduetotheoffsetofanycarbon storage benefit by the loss of soil organiccarbonwhensoilsaredisruptedbytheapplicationprocess,theBQMdoesnotmandatetheuseofbiochar(irrespectiveofitsqualitygrade)�insoilswithover 10% of soil organic matter.

7.1.9

7.1.10

7.1.11

Images courtesy of Jason Cook, UKBRC.

Image courtesy of Simon Shackley, UKBRC.


�1

Additionally,anyecologicalreasonsthatmightconstrainor

bringintoquestiontheapplicationofqualitybiochar in areas classified as se�i-natural or environmentaldesignationswillhavetobeconsidered.

Specialcareisneededtoavoiddamagingsoilecology,bio-

diversityandtheenvironmentingeneral,butinparticularinsemi-naturalareasorenvironmentaldesignations.Examplesofenvironmentaldesignationsarethefollowing:

•SpecialAreasofConservation(SACs)�, whicharesitesthathavebeenadopted bytheEuropeanCommissionand formallydesignatedbythegovernment ofeachcountryinwhoseterritorythe sitelies;

•SitesofCommunityImportance(SCIs)�, whichareareasthathavebeen adoptedbytheEuropeanCommission butnotyetformallydesignatedbythe governmentofeachcountry;

•CandidateSACs,whicharesitesthat havebeensubmittedtotheEuropean Commission,butnotyetformally adopted;

•SpecialProtectionAreas(SPAs)�, whicharestrictlyprotectedsites classified in accordance with Article 4 oftheECBirdsDirective;

•Nationalparks; •Areasofoutstandingnaturalbeauty (AONB)�;

•LocalandNationalNatureReserves (LNRs,NNRs)�;

• Sites of S�ecial Scientific Interest (SSSIs)�33.

7.1.12 Ifapplicationofqualitybiocharisintendedonlandcoveredby

anyoftheseenvironmentaldesignations,contactshouldbemadewithappropriatenatureconservationagenciesinordertodiscusstheissuesandunderstandanypossiblerestriction.

Mostbiocharscontainsomenitrogen.Thisnitrogenmay

counttowardsthetotalamountwhichisallowedtobeappliedinaNitrate Vulnerable Zone(NVZ).TheamountoftotalnitrogenmeasuredinthequalitybiocharandtheamountofqualitybiocharappliedshouldbeusedtocalculatethetotalnitrogenadditioniftheintentionofapplyingbiocharinNVZsexists.

Q19:Thescienceconcerningbiocharandnitrogenisstillunderinvestigation.Itseemsthatsomeofthenitrogenmayavailabletobereleased,whiletherestis fi��ed within the char and �ay not be releasedforaverylongtime.Furthermore,biocharmayreducetheamountofnitrateavailabletobeleachedoutofthesoil.ShouldthetotalNbemeasuredforthepurposeofcalculatingcontributiontoNVZsoraportionofit?e.g.availablemineralnitrogen?(NH4+–NO3-)�

Q20:Shouldtherebeanyguidanceonwhentoapplybiocharintheyear,especiallyconsideringfertiliseradditions?-e.g.seasonalityduetofarmingcycle.

33. MoreinformationonSemi-naturalareascanbefoundin:http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/ourwork/farming/ funding/ecs/sitings/final_designations.as��

7.1.13

7.1.14

7.1.15


��

7.2 Good practice for biochar application

Dustfrombiocharhandlingcanposearisktohealthifitbecomesairborne

andisinhaled.Biocharshouldbekeptatamoisturecontentofatleast20%bymasstoreducetheriskofdust,andappropriateprotectionshouldbewornbythosehandlingdustybiochar.

Careshouldalsobetakennottoapplylightordustybiocharinwindy

conditions(forexamplewindspeedsgreaterthan10km/h)�asbiocharmaybeblownawayfromtheintendedsite.Moisteningbiocharbefore field a��lication is reco��ended to reducetheriskofwinddisturbance.

Biocharisoftenodourless,butso�eti�es s�ells ‘s�oky’ (if it has

apowerfulsmokyodouritislikelythatitwillexceedstandardgradebiocharMPLsforPAHsandBETX)�.Careshouldbetakenthatbiocharapplicationsdonotcauseunpleasantsmellswhichannoyfarmneighboursormemberofthepublic.

Goodpracticerulesforstorage,handlingandapplicationoforganicfertilisersshouldbefollowed34.

7.2.1

7.2.2

7.2.3

7.2.4

34.E.g.http://www.agindustries.org.uk/document.aspx?fn=load&media_id=2024&publicationId=248

Images courtesy of Jim Hammond, UKBRC.


��

8.1 Certification

note:WewouldlikebiocharproducerstobeabletocertifybiocharsasmeetingtheBQMstandard.Thissectionlaysoutthemainrequire�ents of certification.

In order to beco�e a BQM-certified qualitybiocharproducer,compliance

mustbedemonstratedfromanapprovedcertification body35operatingaccordingtoUKASscheme.

As �art of the certification �rocess, theproducerwillberequiredto:

• Kee� and retain s�ecified records for a minimumoffouryears;and

• Make the� available to the certification body for certification �ur�oses.

Detailsoftherecordstobekeptaregiveninsection8.2.

8. Quality Assurance and Certification

8.1.1

8.2. records management

TobeabletodemonstratecompliancewiththeBQM,

producersmustmaintaincopiesofsupplydocumentationprovidedtothecustomerforeachsupplyofbiochar.

Thedocumentationmustinclude:

•dateofsupply;

•customer’sname,contactdetails andnatureofbusiness;

•thenameandcontactdetailsofthe producer,includingtheaddressof thesiteofproduction;

•quantitysuppliedbyweight/volume;

•thedesignatedapplicationthe materialisdestinedfor;

•astatementthattheprocessed qualitybiocharwasproducedin compliancewithBQM.

•astatementoftheapprovedindustry standard(s)�itmeets(e.g.BQM)�;

• a state�ent that it has been certified by an a��ro�riate certification scheme;and

• confir�ation that infor�ation on goodpracticerelatingtothestorage, handling,applicationanduseof qualitybiochar(assetoutinSection 7)�hasbeenhighlightedtothe customer.

8.1.2

8.1.3

8.2.1

8.2.2

35. The Co��ost Quality Protocol states that�� “The a��roved certification body �ust also obtain accreditation onanannualbasisfromtheUnitedKingdomAccreditationService(UKAS)�toBSEN45011:1998General require�ents for bodies o�erating certification syste�s (or any subsequent a�end�ents)”


��

Recordsmustalsobekeptofincomingwasteandnon-waste

feedstocks.Asaminimum,arecordofeachloaddeliveredtositemustbekeptgiving:

•date;

•EuropeanWasteCatalogue(EWC)� codeanddescription(whererelevant)�;

•placeoforigin(whereknown)�;

•quantityofweight/volume;

•carrier;

•supplier;and

•whethertheloadwasaccepted.

Recordsofalltestingcarriedouttodemonstratecompliancewith

theapprovedstandardmustbemadeandretained.

ForthepurposesofthisBQMtheproducermustmakerecordsavailableforinspectionbythe

regulator, far� auditor or certification body (if requested)�.

Theserequirementsareadditionaltoanystatutoryrecord-keeping

obligations.However,somerecordsmaybeused to fulfil both a regulatory obligation and evidenceofcompliancewithBQM.

Thebiocharqualitypropertiesshouldbelabelledandcommunicatedtothecustomer.

8.2.3

8.2.4

8.2.5

8.2.6

8.2.7


��

accreditation: Third-party verification related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks��.

ash: the inorganic matter, or mineral residue of total solids, that remains when a sample is combusted in the presence of excess air.biochar: the porous carbonaceous solid produced by the thermochemical conversion of organic materials in an oxygen depleted atmosphere which has physiochemical properties suitable for the safe and long-term storage of carbon in the environment and for soil improvement.

biomass: the biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues of biological origin from agriculture (including vegetal and animal substances), forestry, and related industries including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste (including municipal solid waste). in this context, material of biological origin is defined as follows: material derived from, or produced by, living or recently living organisms��.

Certification: third-party attestation related to products, processes, systems or persons. note: in the context of this bQm, the scope of assessment by the independent certification body must cover biochar product, the pyrolysis process, the producing organisation’s quality management system and training of those persons who affect biochar quality. Certification provides verification that the product meets the approved standard and the requirements of the bQm.

Appendix A: Definitions and AcronymsContaminant: an undesirable material in a biochar material or biochar feedstock that compromises the quality or usefulness of the biochar or through its presence or concentration causes an adverse effect on the natural environment or impairs human use of the environment. contaminants include fossil fuels and fossil-fuel-derived chemical compounds, glass, and metal objects .

Designated market sector(s): the sector(s) listed in appendix b in which this BQM enables quality biochar to be used.

Dilutant: inorganic material that is deliberately mixed or inadvertently comingled with biomass feedstock prior to processing. these materials will not carbonize in an equivalent fashion to the biomass. these materials include soils and common constituents of natural soils, such as clays and gravel that may be gathered with biomass or intermixed through prior use of the feedstock biomass. dilutants may be found in a diverse range of feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, manures, and municipal solid wastes��.

Direct land use change emissions: direct land use change is the conversion of land, which was not used for e.g. crop production before, into land used for a particular feedstock production, e.g. for biofuel or biochar production. the emissions caused by the conversion process can be directly linked to the biofuel load and thus be allocated to the specific carbon balance of that biofuel.

36.ISO/IEC1700037.RED(2009/28/EC)�38.IBI,2013.39.Ibid


��

40.GlobalBioenergyPartnership,2009

indirect land use change emissions: refers to the potential effects which may be caused by cultivating biomass (for bioenergy, biofuels, or biomaterials) on land which previously was used for other cultivation, e.g. feed, food or fibre production, or would have been in the future in a business-as-usual (baseline) scenario without the biomass use for bioenergy, biofuels or biomaterials�0.

Dioxin: the term “dioxin” is commonly used to refer to a family of chemicals that share chemical structures and characteristics. these compounds include polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (pcdds) and polychlorinated dibenzo furans (pcdfs), which are unwanted by-products of industrial and natural processes, usually involving combustion. for the purposes of this document, furans are included in the definition of Dioxins. Dioxins are listed as persistent organic pollutants by the stockholm convention.

end of Waste: is a legal status by which waste management controls are removed from a material. environmental regulators can consider a product to have achieved ‘end-of-waste’ status.

Heavy metals: refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations.hydrogen to organic carbon (h:corg) ratio: the molar h/c ration is an indicator of the degree of carbonisation and therefore of thebiochar’s stability. the ratio is one of the most important characterising features ofbiochar. Values fluctuate dependent on the biomass and process used. Values exceeding 0.� are an indication of inferior chars and pyrolysis deficiencies (European Biochar Certificate, 2013).

Horticulture: the growing of crops in a growing medium. this includes vegetables for human consumption, fruit, flowers and bulbs, hardy and other nursery stock, protected crops and herbs.

List of Wastes (LoW): the list of wastes contains the ‘waste codes’, that is, the six-digit ewc codes for different types of waste in accordance with the list of wastes (england) regulations �00� or list of wastes (wales) regulations �00� (as appropriate). for hazardous waste, the code includes an asterisk.

mineral additions: mineral substances (for example, calcium compounds or metal oxides) might be added to pyrolysis for the purposes of enhancing the resultant char.

nitrate Vulnerable zone (nVz): is a conservation designation of the environment agency for areas of land that drain into nitrate polluted waters, or waters which could become polluted by nitrates. nitrate Vulnerable Zones were introduced by the uK government in response to the eu mandate that all eu countries must reduce the nitrate in drinking water to a maximum of �0 mg/l.

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (paHs): pahs refer to a family of compounds built from two or more benzene rings. sources of pahs include fossil fuels and incomplete combustion of organic matter, in auto engines, incinerators, forest fires, charcoal grilling, or other biomass burning. pahs are usually found as a mixture containing two or more of these compounds, such as soot. out of hundreds of different pah compounds, only a few are considered to be highly toxic and of regulatory concern.


��

polychlorinated biphenyls (pCbs): pcbs are a group of organic compounds used in the manufacture of plastics, as lubricants, and dielectric fluids in transformers, in protective coating for wood, metal and concrete, and in adhesives and wire coating. pcbs have been banned in most countries and are no longer manufactured, but sources remain in the environment in the form of products and waste. the stockholm convention lists pcbs as persistent organic pollutants.

potentially toxic element (pte): chemical element that has potential to have toxic effects on humans, flora or fauna, or can do so in combination with other chemical elements. heavy metals are included in this category.

Quality management system (QmS): a system that demonstrates effective control of all operations and the associated quality management activities necessary to achieve biochar that is fit for its intended purposes. Where specific controls are applied, they must be monitored and recorded, and their efficacy evaluated both during and after process validation. Corrective actions must be defined.

Quality protocol: a Quality protocol sets out criteria for the production of a product from a specific waste type. Compliance with these criteria is considered sufficient to ensure that the recovered product can be regarded as having ceased to be waste and therefore no longer subject to waste management controls. in addition, the Quality protocol indicates how compliance may be demonstrated and points to good practice for the use of the recovered product�1.

Source-segregated: materials or biodegradable wastes of the types and sources sought that are stored, collected and not subsequently combined with any other non-biodegradable wastes, or any potentially polluting or toxic materials or products, during treatment or storage.

toxicants: chemical or physical agents that, depending on dose, can produce adverse effects in biological organisms. these chemicals may be essential for some plants and animals at low levels, or in a specific oxidation state, but can be toxic at higher concentrations or in a different oxidation state. toxicants may be naturally present in soils or artificially produced by human activity.

Waste: any substance or object which the holder disposes of or is required to dispose. once a material has become a waste this has implications for its use and waste management controls will apply. it must be exempted from waste management controls or designated as a non-waste in order for waste management controls to be released.

Waste management controls: controls under legislation that govern the treatment, handling, containment, transportation and storage of waste.

41.EnvironmentAgency,2013


Appendix B: Designated Market Sectors

��

ThisQualityMandateonlyappliestoBiocharthatisdestinedforuseinoneofthefollowingdesignatedmarketsectors:

•landrestorationandsoftlandscape operations;

•domesticorprofessionalhorticulture;

•agricultureandsoil-grownhorticulture; •forestry.

Ifgoodpracticeisfollowed,theBQMconsidersthatqualitybiocharwillnotposearisktohumanhealthortheenvironmentinthequantitiesandfrequenciesatwhichitislikelytobeappliedinthesesectors.GoodpracticemeansthemeasuressetoutinSection7.

Land restoration and soft landscape operations

Examplesofthewaysinwhichqualitybiocharmaybeusedinthesesectorsare:

•soilmanufactureand/orblending operations(includingmanufactureof turfdressingsandrootzonemedia)�;

•landreclamationandlandremediation;

•softlandscapeoperations(including soilimprovement,turfmaintenance, turfestablishmentandasamulch)�.

Horticulture

Examplesofthewayinwhichqualitybiocharmaybeusedinthissectorare:

•asadirectsoilimprover/soil conditionerfordomesticuse;and

•blendingwithothernon-waste materialstoproduceahorticultural gradegrowingmediumfordomestic useandprofessionalapplications.

agriculture and soil-grown horticulture

Qualitybiocharcanbeusedinagricultureandsoil-grownhorticultureasasoilimproverormulchprovideditisusedinsuchawaythat:

•itdoesnotposearisktothe environment;and

•itsusedoesnotcompromisethe futuresustainableuseofthesoilto whichitisapplied.

Thebiocharusermustbeabletodemonstratethattheyhavetakenfullaccountofanyenvironmentalimpactresultingfromitsuse.

Forestry

Examplesofthewaysinwhichqualitybiocharmaybeusedinthissectorare:

•improvementofin-situsoilinthe plantingareapriortotreeplanting,

•blendingwithin-situsoilforuseas backfill for �lanting �its during preparationfortreeplanting,or

•applyingcoarseparticlebiocharas asurfacemulchtosuppressweeds duringtreeestablishment.


��

Thesedifferentevaluationschemesandproceduresprovideusefulguidancefordevelopersinconsideringsustainablebiomassfeedstocksupplies.Therearemanyoverlapsbetweentheschemesandoneschemeisnotrecommendedoveranother.Ratheritistheresponsibilityoftheapplicanttoprepareaconvincingcasebasedupontheirownunderstandingoftheinformationrequirementstosecuresustainablefeedstocks.Suggestionsforfurther a��ro�riate certification sche�es will beconsidered.

iSCC�� global certification syste� sche�e thatcoversallkindsofbiomassandisrecognisedbytheEuropeanCommissionforallmembercountrieswithoutrestriction.ItoperatesincompliancewiththeEuropeanRenewableEnergyDirective(EURED)�andoffersanall-inclusiveserviceforcompanies,easingnationalandinternationaltrade.More infor�ation on this certifications schemecanbefoundat:

http://www.iscc-system.org/en/

roundtable on Sustainable biofuels (rSb):isaninternationalinitiativecoordinatedbytheEnergyCentreatEPFLinLausannethatbringstogetherfarmers,companies,non-governmentalorganizations,experts,governments,andinter-governmentalagenciesconcernedwithensuringthesustainabilityofbiofuelsproductionandprocessing.ParticipationintheRSBisopentoanyorganizationworkingin a field relevant to biofuels sustainability. TheRSBhasdevelopedathird-partycertification syste� for biofuels sustainability standards,encompassingenvironmental,socialandeconomicprinciplesandcriteriathroughanopen,transparent,andmulti-stakeholderprocess.

Appendix C: Approaches to Sustainable Biomass Provision Certification

More infor�ation on this certifications schemecanbefoundat:

htt��//rsb.e�fl.ch/

Global partnership for bioenergy (Gbep):providemechanismsforpartnerstoorganize,coordinateandimplementtargetedinternationalresearch,development,demonstrationandcommercialactivitiesrelatedtoproduction,delivery,conversionanduseofbiomassforenergy,withafocusondevelopingcountries.

More infor�ation on this certifications schemecanbefoundat:

http://www.globalbioenergy.org/

TheUKGovernmentCPETguidelinesacce�t two certification bodies for wood andwoodproducts:

•TheForestStewardshipCouncil (FSC)�

http://www.fsc-uk.info/

•TheProgrammeforthe Endorse�ent of Forest Certification (PEFC)�

http://www.pefc.org/

Alternatively,CPETacceptstimberthatiscompliantwithForestLawEnforcement,GovernanceandTrade(FLEGT)�regulation.

htt��//www.c�et.org.uk/flegt-regulation


�0

Storage

Biocharshouldbestoredinappropriateandsafeconditionswhereriskstocausepollutionareminimised.Goodpracticeguidelinesforthestorageofsoilamendmentsshouldbefollowed42.

Ifthematerialisstillconsideredawastethenthecorrectstorageprocedureswillneedtobefollowedinaccordancewiththecorrectregulations.

Onfarms,guidelinesshouldbefollowedwhereapplicable.AnexampleisGBR18,whichalthoughonlylegallybindinginScotlandmaybeconsideredagoodpracticeguideline.

AsummaryispresentedinTable5.

Fire risks

Biochar �resents a �otential fire risk. Care shouldbetakennottoexposestoredbiocharto e��ternal sources of heat sufficient to cause

Appendix D: Good practice for the storage, handling, application and use of quality biochar

ignition,andappropriatesafetymeasuresshouldbeinstalledinbiocharstorageareas.

Biochariscapableofself-ignition.Ifitisstoredinlargevolumesand/orisverydry,itmayself-heatandeventuallyself-ignite.Thereforebiocharmustbe:

•Storedatamoisturecontentofat least20%throughoutthecontainer.

•Storedinseparatecontainers, vesselsorpiles.

Dust risks

Tominimisedust,moisturecontentof20%ormoreisrecommendedduringhandlingofloosebiochar.

Whereexposuretodustcannotbeavoidedappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipmentshouldbeused,suchasfacemasksoreyeprotection.Extractorunitsmaybeinstalledtoaidindustremoval.

Table 5: G�R 18: Minimum distances for organic fertiliser storage and application of organic fertilisers from water courses. Good practice recommendations are shown in brackets.

42.E.g.http://www.agindustries.org.uk/document.aspx?fn=load&media_id=2024&publicationId=248

Minimumstoragedistancefromanysurfacewaterorwetland 10m

Minimumstoragedistancefromaspringoruncappedboreholesupplyingwaterforhumanconsumption

50m

Minimumapplicationdistancefromadrainageditch 2m(10m)�

Minimumapplicationdistancefromanysurfacewaterorwetland 5m(10m)�

Minimumapplicationdistancefromaspringsupplyingwaterforhumanconsumptionoranuncappedwellorborehole

50m

Applicationonsteeplyslopingland Notmorethan15°


�1

Step 1:TheprocessforcalculatingPTLARisrelativelystraightforward,andisderivedforeachcontaminantfromthefollowingequation:

Where:

Smisthemassofsoilperhectaretothedepthofbiocharincorporation(tonnes/ha;)�MPLTSisthemaximumpermissiblelimitsofpotentialtoxicantsinthereceivingsoil(mg/kg)�.Table6includessuggestedMPLTS;

BSCisthebackgroundsoilconcentrationforagivenpotentialtoxicant(mg/kg)�attheapplicationsite;

BCCistheconcentrationofagivenpotentialtoxicantinthebiochar(mg/kg)�.

Q21:WhatareappropriatelimitsofManganeseandPAHsinUKsoils?

Themaximumapplicationrateofbiocharwillthenbesetbythelowest(moststringent)�PTLARcalculatedforeachpotentialtoxicant.Table7providesanexampleonhowtocalculatePTLAR,usingtheoreticaldatafromonebiocharsample.

Appendix E: Suggested methodology to calculate Potential Toxicant Limiting Application Rate (PTLAR)

toxicant mpLtS (mg/kg)

Arsenic 50(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�43

Cadmium 3(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�

Chromium 400(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�

Copper 80(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPracticeforpH5)�44

Lead 300(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�

Mercury 1(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�

Manganese To be confir�ed

Molybdenum 4(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�45

Nickel 50(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPracticeforpH5)�46

Selenium 3(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice)�

Zinc 200(derivedfromsludgeCodeofPracticeforpH5)�47

PAHs To be confir�ed

Dioxins,furans,PCBs

0.008(totalvalueforthesumofdioxins,furansandPCBs)�(derivedfromsoilguidelinevaluesofEnvironmentAgency)�48

Benzene 0.07(derivedfromsoilguidelinevaluesofEnvironmentAgency)�

Ethylbenzene 90(derivedfromsoilguidelinevaluesofEnvironmentAgency)�

Toluene 120(derivedfromsoilguidelinevaluesofEnvironmentAgency)�

Xylene 160(derivedfromsoilguidelinevaluesofEnvironmentAgency)�

Table 6: Maximum permissible limits of potential toxicants in soils


��

43.DerivedfromsludgeCodeofPractice,availableat:http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/ waterquality/sewage/documents/sludge-cop.pdf44.ThisMPLTSmayincreaseifthepHofsoilsishigher.Formoreinfoseethelinkprovidedinpreviousreference.45.Theacceptedsafelevelofmolybdenuminagriculturalsoilsis4mg/kg.HowevertherearesomeareasinUK where,forgeologicalreasons,thenaturalconcentrationofthiselementinthesoilmayexceedthislevel.In suchcasestheremaybenoadditionalproblemsasaresultofapplyingbiochar,butthisshouldnotbedone exceptinaccordancewithexpertadvice.46. Ibid47. Ibid48.http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/64015.aspx49.Assuming1.3t/m3(densityofsoil)�*0.23m(incorporationdepth)�*10,000(m2/ha)�

Table 7: How to calculate PTLAR

mpLtS (mg/kg)

bSC (mg/kg)

Soil capacity SC (mg/kg)

mpLtS-bSC)bCC (mg/kg) Sm (t/ha) 1

ptLar (t/ha) =Sm*(SC/

bCC)

arsenic 50 2.5 47.5 8.56 2,990 16,600

Cadmium 3 0.5 2.5 3.18 2,990 2,350

Chromium 400 21 379 55.6 2,990 20,367

Copper 80 19 61 356.9 2,990 511

Lead 300 29 271 182 2,990 4,454

mercury 1 0.5 0.5 0.05 2,990 29,900

molybdenum 4 1 3 15.80 2,990 568

nickel 50 13 37 51.1 2,990 2,167

Selenium 3 0.5 2.5 3.00 2,990 2,492

zinc 200 51 149 1,190 2,990 374


��

SincePTLARistheapplicationrateofbiocharatwhichagivenpotentialtoxicantwouldreachMPLTS,inthisexample,theapplicationofbiocharwouldbelimitedbythePTLARofZinc,374t/ha,sinceitisthelowest.Themaximumamountofthisbiocharthatcanbeappliedonahectareinanyperiodoftimeis374tonnes.

Step 2:CalculatingthelimitingrateforPTLAR.Inordertoavoidbiocharapplicationpracticesthatcouldimplytoxicdosesofhazardoussubstancestotheenvironment(e.g.applying374tonnesofZincorothertoxicantsinasingleapplication)�alimitingadditionrateofthePTLARcalculatedwillhavetobeestablished.

Inordertodothis,BQMproposestwoapproaches:

First approach:

Toestablishanannualmaximumapplicationrateofmaximum20%ofthetotalPTLARfromtheexampleabove,untilthePTLARofzincisreached.

Whereasitehasreceivedapreviousbiocharapplication,thetoxicantadditionwillneedtobeconsideredpriortosubsequentbiocharapplication.Therefore,whereasitereceivesrepeatedapplicationsofbiochar,theacceptableratesforsubsequentapplicationswillmostlikelydecreaseduetothedecreasingdifferencebetweenthereceivingsoil’sPTElevelsandtheMPLTS.

Thiswouldbedoneinthefollowingway:

Theoptimalapplicationfrequencywillthereforevaryfromsitetositedependingonsitehistoryandproponentneeds.Itisforthisreasonthatthismandatedoesnotincludeadetaileddiscussionofbiocharapplicationfrequency.

Second approach:

Tocalculatetheaverageannualrateofcontaminantadditionovera10yearperiod.

Theapplicationofbiocharshouldnotexceedthemaximumpermissibleaverageannualrateofcontaminantadditionovera10yearperiodrequiredbytheCodeofPracticeforAgricultureUseOfSewageSludge.Table8includesthesemaximumpermissiblelimits(seefollowingpage)�.

ThementionedCodeofPracticedoesnotprovidelimitsformanganese,PAHs,dioxins,PCBsorBETX.ItisrecommendedthereforetomonitortheapplicationofbiocharaccordingtotheMPLTSsuggestedforthesehazardoussubstancesinTable6.

Anexampleonhowtoplanandcomparebiocharapplicationswiththemaximumpermissibleannualapplicationrateofzincovera10yearperiodisprovidedinTable9(seepage45)�.Thiscalculationmustbeperformedforeachtoxicanttestedinbiochar.

Year1ofapplication Year2ofapplication Year3ofapplication Year4ofapplication Year5ofapplication

Maximum75t/ha(20%ofPTLAR)�

Lessthanpreviousapplicationrate



Lessthanpreviousapplicationrate,andsoon,untilthePTLARofzincisreached.


��

Accordingtothisexample,theaverageadditionofzincoveraperiodof10yearswouldbeexceedingthemaximumpermissibleannualapplicationrateforzincprovidedbytheCodeofPracticeforAgricultureUseofSewageSludge.Itisthereforenecessarytodevelopanewplanwithlowerapplicationratesofbiochar.Inthenewplan,biocharapplicationsshouldbelowereduntiltheaverageforzincapplicationcomplieswiththerequiredlimit(15kg/haofZn)�.Ifafter10yearstheconcentrationsoftoxicantsinsoilsstillcomplywiththeMPLTSofTable6,applicationofbiocharshouldcontinueifnecessaryandanewapplicationplanmustbedeveloped.

Q22:Whichmethodologyisbetter?Pleaseprovidecommentsorsuggestionsonanyotherpossiblemethodologytocontrolhighapplicationsofstandardgradebiochar.

toxicantmp average annual rate of contaminant addition

over 10 years (kg/ha)

Arsenic 0.7

Cadmium 0.15

Chromium 15

Copper 7.5

Lead 15

Mercury 0.1

Manganese Notavailable

Molybdenum 0.2

Nickel 3

Selenium 0.15

Zinc 15

PAHs Notavailable

Dioxins/furans Notavailable

PCBs Notavailable

BETX Notavailable

Table 8: MP annual rate of contaminants suggested by the �ode of Practice for Agricultural Use of

Sewage Sludge


��

Year of application

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

total biochar applied (t/ha)

ann

ual a

vera

ge

in 1

0 ye

ars

(kg

/ha)

max

imum

per

mis

sib

le a

nnua

l ap

plic

atio

n ra

te f

or

zin

c a

cco

rdin

g t

o

Co

de

of

pra

ctic

e (k

g/h

a)

example of biochar application rate (t/ha) according to needs

50 0 15 10 15 0 30 20 0 5 145

zinc in biochar (mg/kg) 1,

190

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

1,19

0

total zn

applied (kg/ha)

zinc application

(kg/ha)5059 0 18 12 18 0 36 24 0 6 172.5 17.25 15

Table 9: How to plan applications of biochar that comply with the limits for toxicant addition to soils

50.Zincapplication=(zincconcentrationinbiochar*biocharapplicationrate)�/1000


Appendix F: Methodology for GHG Sustainability Appraisal of Biomass Feedstocks

��

51.OxygentocarbonratioinCO2

Step 1:

Calculatetheclimate-relevantstablecarboninthebiochar.Onewaytodothisistousetheformula:

Where:

BMtotisbiomasstotaldryweight(useonetonne)�BCYieldisbiocharyield(ratio)�CO2totistotalCO2eq.contentoffreshbiochar(oneovendrytonne)�

CSFisCarbonStabilityFactorover100years(AllexpressedintCO2eq.t-1feedstock)�

Andwhere:

Clabisthefractionofcarbonthatislabile(lostinafewweeks)�

Cunstabisthefractionofcarbonthatisunstableasdeterminedbyacceleratedageingmethodsorotherappropriatemethods.example:UsingtheexamplevaluesprovidedforsewagesludgeandsoftwoodbiocharsinTable10:

CO2recalsewagesludge=1*0.4*0.29*(44/1251)�*(1-0.005-0.12)�=0.373tCO2/odtfeedstock=373kgCO2/odtfeedstock

CO2recalsoftwood=1*0.24*0.89*(44/12)�*(1-0.008-0.1)�=0.68tCO2/odtfeedstock=680kgCO2/odtfeedstock

FeedstockChar

yield (%)total organic Carbon content of char (%)

Unstable organic carbon content of biochar (%)

Labile fraction of carbon in biochar (%)

Biocharfromsewagesludge

40.40 29.90 12% 0.5%

Biocharfromsoftwood

pellets24 89 10 0.8

Table 10: Example carbon properties suggested for two quality biochars


��

note:othermethodsformeasuringclimate-relevantcarbonstabilityhavebeen�ro�osed, such as use of a ‘recalcitrance’ index.

Step 2:

Calculatethelife-cycleemissionsassociatedwiththeproduction,processingandtransportationofbiomassfeedstocksusedinproducingbiochar,aswellasallprocessemissionsarisingfromthebiocharproducingtechnology.Ifthebiocharsystemgeneratesenergythatcouldbeusedtooffsetfossil-fuelemissions,theoffsetemissionsbythispracticeshouldbeincludedhere.

Thecarboncontainedwithinthefeedstockitselfisexempted.However,theCO2e(equivalent)�impactsofDIRECTandINDIRECTland-usechangesassociatedtotheproductionofbiomassfeedstocksshouldbeincludediftheytakeplace.ThemethodusedisattributionalLCA(notconsequential)�.Wecallthisterm:CO2e(LCA)�.ExpressemissionvaluesasCO2epertonneofovendryfeedstock.

example:calculatetheNetCO2(equivalent)�emissionsorabatementarisingfromthebiomass-biocharproductionchain:

NetCO2e(emissions)�=-(CO2recal(100)�-CO2e(LCA)�)�

NetCO2e(emissions)�forsewagesludgebiochar=-(373-14052)�=-233kgCO2/odtfeedstockNetCO2e(emissions)�forsoftwoodbiochar=-(680-140)�=-540kgCO2/odtfeedstock

Ifpreferred,itcanalsobeexpressedasanetCO2e(abatement)�byremovingtheminussigninthelastequation.

Step 3:

Calculatethecarbonemissionfactor(CEF)�forthefeedstockassumingthatthefeedstockwasusedforbioenergygeneration(insteadofforproducingbiochar)�usingthemostsuitablecounter-factualconversiontechnology.This,therefore,needstotakeaccountoftheenergy efficiency of the counter-factual technologyaswellasjustifyingthetechnologyselection.Forinstance,inmanycasesthecounter-factualwillbebiomasscombustioninadedicatedbio�ass or co-firing boiler. However, whereadistrictheatingsystemexistsorisplanned,abettercounter-factualmightbeaCombinedHeatandPowerPlant(CHP)�.

TheCEFiscalculatedasfollows.

CEF=NetCO2e (e�issions)÷(Calorific Valueoffeedstock(MWhoneovendrytonne)×Efficiency of energy conversion) CEFforsewagesludgebiochar=(-233)�/(5.2MWh/tonne54)�*0.3855)�=-118.27kgCO2/MWh

CEFforsoftwoodbiochar=(-540)�/(4.8MWh/tonne)�*0.3856)�=-296.27kgCO2/MWh


��

Step 4:

TheCEFvalueisthencomparedtotheUKgovernment’sproposedvalueof200kgCO2/MWhwhichrepresentsa60%reductionrelativetothefossilfuelalternative.CEFshouldbenomorethan200kgCO2/MWh.

Intheexamplesprovidedabove,both-118.27and-296kgCO2/MWharebelowthetargetof200kgCO2/MWhprovidedfor2020,sotherearenetsavingsfromusingthesewagesludgeorsoftwoodinabiocharsystem,whichisincompliancewiththecriteriaofSection2.1.2“thesystemmustreturnafavourablecarbonbalance”.

Q23:Isthismethodologyacceptable?

52.ExamplefactortakenfromHammond,J.,Shackley,S.,Sohi,S.,Brownsort,P.,2011.Prospectivelifecycle carbonabatementforpyrolysisbiocharsystemsintheUK.EnergyPolicy39,2646–2655.Thispaperconsiders thatemissionsfromtransportandfeedstocksupplyare20%oftheoverallemissions.However,thisLCAdoes notincludeLUCemissions.53. Ibid54. Based on average calorific value for sewage sludge�� 19 MJ/kg. Source�� htt��//www.ecn.nl/�hyllis2/55. 38% efficiency for co-firing syste�s56. Based on a��ro��i�ate calorific value for sewage sludge�� 18 MJ/kg. Source�� htt��//www.ecn.nl/�hyllis2/


��

Q24:Willabiocharproducerhavetogiveevidence for the beneficial effects of biochar insoiltoachievetheirendofwaste,permitorexemption?

Q25:Shouldaproducerhavetosupplyevidence of the beneficial effect of biochar in soiltobecompliantwiththeBQM?

Q26:Ifso,isthebelowadviceappropriate?

Aproviderof“standardgrade”BQM-compliantqualitybiocharmayhavetodemonstratethatthebiocharhasagronomicor ecological benefit in order to achieve, an environmentalpermit,wastemanagementlicenseorexemptiontoapplybiochartoland.

Thethreecriteriathatcanbeusedforevaluatingecological,agriculturaland/orhorticultural benefits fro� a��lying biochar to land57are:

a)�assessmentofN,Pandotherplantnutrientsinthebiocharrelativetothatinthesoil;

b)�effectofbiocharadditiononwaterretention,porosity,stability,tilthandworkability;

c)�assessmentofthepHandlimingequivalentneutralisingvalueofthebiocharandinsoil.

Appendix G: Determining Biochar Quality for Soil Application

Biocharmayhaveotheragriculturalandecological benefits that are not ca�tured inthecriterialistedabove.Inthatcase,the �ro�onent should include s�ecific infor�ation and evidence of the beneficial i��act, including �ot and field trial results.

Wherethebiocharispartofablend,e.g.addedtocompost,manure,digestates,etc.,itisnecessaryforthedevelopertouseascontrolstheeffectofnoadditions,theorganicamendmentwithnobiocharandtheeffectoftheorganicamendmentplusbiochar.

The benefits of adding biochar to the other constituentscanthenbeobservedwithres�ect to the identified indicators listed above.

A��ro�riate evidence of benefits could includechemicalanalysis,laboratorytests,�ot trials and field trials, a�ongst other sourcesofevidence.

Whereitisproposedtoincorporatebiocharintonon-agriculturalandnon-horticultural soils, other benefits need to be identified. This could include increasingsoilorganiccarbon,removalofcontaminantsand/orecologicalimprovement.Forinstance,whereevidencecanbegatheredtosuggestthatbiocharadditionenhancesotherwisedegradedhabitatsandassistsinthecreationofnewhabitatsandrestorationofanoldhabitat,thiswillcountasecologicalimprovement.

57. These are taken fro� SEPA’s guidance note WMX-TG7 on assessing agrono�ic or environ�ental benefits of applyingwastestoland,forusewhenapplyingforanexemptionfromWasteManagementLicensing Regulations.Theguidancenotecanbefoundathttp://www.sepa.org.uk/waste/waste_regulation/application_ forms/exempt_activities/idoc.ashx?docid=ee5c40a9-a4e6-41e0-b7d8-db32aa4634f9&version=-1

design and typesetting by starbit limited, edinburgh.printed on genus offset fsc approved 100% recycled paper. e: [email protected]: 0845 649 9396

http://www.starbit.co.uk

Publication date: 15.06.2013 no copying without permission ... · biochar Quality mandate (bQm) v....

Documents

Transcript of Publication date: 15.06.2013 no copying without permission ... · biochar Quality mandate (bQm) v....