Biomass is one of the most common and widely used renewable energy sources in the world. However, not everything that comes from organic matter can be considered biomass. In the case of wood treated with coatings or protective substances, this cannot be considered a renewable energy source. This is due to various factors that we will detail throughout the article, as well as the Operation Air which is carried out to control the burning of such materials.
Why is treated wood not considered biomass?
Wood treated with protective substances or coatings is not considered suitable as biomass because its combustion releases highly toxic substances into the environment.
When wood has been treated, for example, with varnishes, paints or plastic coatings, during burning it releases organohalogen compounds or heavy metals, which are dangerous for both the environment and human health. These toxic products permeate the air, contaminate the soil and water bodies near the areas where they are burned and can cause severe deterioration in air quality.
For this reason, current regulations strictly prohibit the incineration of this type of waste in facilities not specifically designed to control these emissions. The harmful consequences of burning treated wood have been one of the main drivers for the authorities to implement strict control measures such as the Operation Air.
What is Operation Air?
La Operation Air It was an initiative undertaken by the Civil Guard and the Junta of Castile and Leon to closely monitor the burning of waste that is not suitable for combustion in conventional boilers, such as treated wood, plastics and other chemicals from the automotive or agricultural industries. This operation is carried out mainly in industrial, agricultural and workshop facilities where it is suspected that these inappropriate practices could be common.
During periods of heightened monitoring, especially in the winter months, facilities are checked to ensure that they only use approved biomass residues, such as forest biomass or non-hazardous agricultural waste. In addition, the operation also has an educational component, as it seeks to Raise awareness among operators on the dangers posed by the burning of unauthorized fuels.
One of the main objectives of Operation Air is improve air quality in municipalities and small communities, where this practice has been more widespread and its impact is direct on the health of its inhabitants.
Objectives of Operation Air
This operation, which has been one of the most important initiatives to control the inappropriate burning of waste, has the following main objectives:
- Control the burning of these fuels. Inspections focus on industries with hazardous waste, such as treated wood and plastics.
- Raise awareness among operators. Companies and industrial operators have been informed about the environmental risks and legal repercussions of not complying with the regulation.
- Locate and identify inadequate waste managers. The operation focuses on detecting those who manage waste irresponsibly, promoting the use of hazardous fuels.
- Improve air quality. The aim is to avoid the consequences of pollution in small municipalities, where the impact on health can be more severe.
Burning waste in cement plants
One of the sectors where the need to regulate the use of unauthorized fuels has been most evident is in the cement industry. Some cement plants, authorized to burn alternative fuels, include in their waste materials considered as "biomass", even though they are not really such. This is the case of the burning of plastics, treated wood and other products that, under certain conditions, receive the label of "partial biomass".
However, there are positive exceptions such as cement. Cosmos of Toral de los Vados, in León, which has been recognized for using only authentic forest biomass in their processes. The use of this type of biomass does not generate polluting emissions and can be considered a good practice within the sector.
The example of this cement plant shows that it is possible to operate sustainably without having to resort to burning hazardous materials. Environmental authorities have made special emphasis on recognizing this type of initiative and promoting its replication throughout the industrial sector in other regions of the country.
Types of residual biomass suitable for burning
Although treated wood cannot be safely burned, there are many other sources of biomass that are considered safe to burn and do not pose an environmental or health risk.
Residual biomass, understood as waste from human activities, can come from various sources, such as:
- Agricultural, livestock and forestry waste.
- By-products of the agro-food industries.
- Remains of wood processing, provided they have not been treated with toxic substances.
- Biodegradable waste such as livestock effluents, sewage sludge and wastewater.
- Urban solid waste, such as food scraps, untreated wood and paper.
- Agricultural surpluses and other sources of non-polluting biomass.
These biomass sources can be harnessed on a large scale for energy production, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring a reduced impact on the environment. In addition, facilities using this type of biomass must be specifically designed to control emissions, ensuring that the burning of this waste does not negatively affect the air, soil or nearby bodies of water.
Biomass from energy crops
Another source of biomass with great potential is that which comes from the energy cropsThese are plantations designed specifically for the production of biomass, with the aim of generating energy from renewable raw materials.
The energy crops They offer an efficient and sustainable solution for biomass supply. Prominent examples include crops such as sugarcane, which can be grown on marginal lands otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. These crops not only provide a continuous source of biomass, but also reduce the pressure on resources that could be used to produce food.
In addition, governments and environmental organizations promote the development of these plantations in areas that are not productive for other uses, which also contributes to improving the ecological health of certain territories.
These types of crops, when properly managed, play a very important role in the fight against climate change, since the biomass they produce is carbon neutral. This means that the carbon stored in the plants during their growth is released again during combustion, without adding additional carbon to the atmosphere.
With the implementation of more advanced technologies for the production and processing of energy crops, this sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, becoming a cornerstone of global initiatives to reduce emissions.
Finally, it is essential to continue to bear in mind that for biomass to be used safely and effectively, it must come from clean, untreated and appropriately managed sources. The monitoring work of the authorities and programmes such as Operation Aire are essential to ensure responsible use of these resources.
Understanding the difference between what is and is not biomass suitable for combustion is essential to protecting our environment and our communities. Operation Aire will continue to be instrumental in combating pollution caused by the burning of hazardous waste, and promoting safe biomass sources is vital to a healthier, more sustainable future.