Combustion plants

If your business in the Netherlands uses a combustion plant, you must observe the rules governing air pollution emissions. Regulations also govern inspection and maintenance. Examples of combustion plants include boilers, gas turbines, piston engines, measurements and process furnaces.

Emissions

Various decrees establish emission requirements for nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and dust from combustion plants. Version A of the Combustion Plant Emissions Requirements (Environmental Management) Decree (Bees A) applies to larger plants (e.g. refineries, power stations and large petrochemical companies), while Version B of the Combustion Plant Emissions Requirements (Environmental Management) Decree (Bees B) has been withdrawn and replaced by the Medium Sized Combustion Plant Emissions Requirements (Environmental Management) Decree (BEMS). Plants already operational as at 1 April 2010 will remain subject to Bees B.

Inspection and maintenance

If your company has a new combustion plant installed, an accredited assessor or a certified installation contractor must demonstrate that the emission limits are not being exceeded. Combustion plant inspection and maintenance must be performed on a regular basis by a SCIOS-certified company. You are obliged to have your combustion plant inspected by a holder of a certificate issued in accordance with the assessment guidelines of the Combustion Plant Inspection and Maintenance Certification Foundation (SCIOS) or an equivalent document. Your combustion plant’s capacity determines the frequency of inspections.