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Sodium chloride is not classified as dangerous to the environment and
the manufacture of salt does not require registration under the Environmental
Protection Act Integrated Pollution and Control Regulations. In addition,
members of The Salt Association seek to minimise
the environmental impact of their manufacturing, storing and distributing
operations using the available technology, and pursue continuous improvement
in all their activities.
Regulation
The industry, in its various forms, is regulated through a number of
European Directives which regulate operating practices, food safety
and environmental performance. Environmental compliance for each manufacturing
site is regulated through a combination of individual Local Authority
(LA) permits and Environment Agency (EA) licences. The LA permits describe
the control, monitoring and reporting regimes that each company must
have in place, for controlled processes, to demonstrate compliance
to standards relating to such matters as dust control, noise levels
and air quality (if applicable).
Raw Material Extraction
The Salt Association has a diverse membership with
a long history of manufacturing Vacuum Salt and Rock Salt from underground
halite deposits. These are either mined by the ‘room and pillar’ technique
to produce rock salt, or by controlled brine pumping (solution mining)
to produce brine for evaporated salt. Both techniques are proven technologies
designed to minimise subsidence risk.
The proven UK salt reserves are extensive, with an estimated 500 years
capacity at current extraction rates.
Energy Use
Evaporated salt is manufactured by evaporating the water from brine,
under vacuum. This entails the use of heat energy, with implications
for CO2 emissions. The vacuum process maximises energy efficiency which
is closely monitored for both commercial and environmental reasons.
The steam use for the evaporation process is generated in accordance
with IPPC regulations and, wherever possible, is reused within the
manufacturing process.
Whilst rock salt mining does require energy input, this is considerably
lower than for evaporated salt. All manufacturers monitor and seek to
maximise their energy efficiency. Users are encouraged to weigh the overall
energy impact, including the lower distribution energy usage of indigenous
supplies.
Abstractions and Discharges
Where relevant, the EA licences cover water abstraction requirements,
discharges to water and operation of boiler plants. The salt industry
has an excellent record of co-operation with the regulator and compliance
with conditions detailed within each licence. As manufacturing and
mining processes continue to evolve, the industry refines and improves
its environmental performance to benefit the working environment, local
communities and the environment in general.
Distribution
Evaporated salt is distributed in bags and in bulk. Vehicle movements
are rationalised as far as possible consistent with customer needs,
and reputable hauliers are used.
Packaging is recyclable and complies with the Essential Requirements
Regulations and members comply with the Producer Responsibility Regulations.
Use
Salt has a wide range of disparate uses. It is not possible, therefore,
for salt manufacturers to develop full life cycle analysis for their
products in every use. If customers require information to assist in
their own environmental assessments, individual manufacturers will
give as much help as possible about the manufacture of the salt products
which they supply. |
