Solvent Emissions Directive (SED)

(See also the Ozone Depleting Substances Section)

Solvents, if emitted into the atmosphere, can react with other chemicals and form ground level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.

The Solvents Emissions Directive (SED) (1999/13/EC) aims to reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted into the atmosphere by specified industrial processes. It will also enforce the phasing out of harmful solvents including, carcinogens, mutagens and others that are toxic to reproduction.

If you operate an activity in the Annex I section of the SED or use solvents listed in Annex IIA or above then the Directive will apply to you. To view the full texts of the listed activities and Annexes see the Environment Agency NetRegs site.

In England and Wales the Environment Agency regulates the SED.

The requirements for the SED are quite complex so a brief outline is given and the full paper should be consulted for exact and detailed information.

The general requirements for any industry that comes under the SED are as follows:

• Emission limit values (ELV) must be met for individual VOCs and waste gases and a fugitive ELV. Limits may be imposed for individual sources and main discharge points. Fugitive emissions are measured as a percentage of the total solvent input.
• ELV must be met for total VOCs.
• Solvent reduction schemes must be implemented.

If you use the more harmful solvents such as halogenated VOCs or carcinogens and mutagens, as mentioned above, then you may have to comply with further legislation.

Existing Installations

• Any installations in existence and operational before 1 April 2001 or in existence prior to 1 April 2001 and operational before 1 April 2002 must comply with the SED by 31 October 2007. Check the limits and special cases for some solvents as listed on NetRegs.
• You should aim to comply within the shortest possible time.
• Any VOC abatement technology that is installed as part of the scheme must also comply with the SED.
• If you make changes to your installation that may affect your emissions of VOCs contact your regulator to discuss this first.