Agenda item

(To receive a report from Doug Robinson, Sustainability Team Leader, which invites the Committee to consider the progress of a pilot project taking place to harvest verge biomass and use it as feedstock in an anaerobic digestion plant producing energy and digestate (fertiliser))

Consideration was given to a report from Doug Robinson, Sustainability Team Leader, which invited the Committee to consider the progress of a pilot project, which had taken place during the summer to harvest verge biomass; and then use it as feedstock in an anaerobic digestion plant producing energy and digestate (fertiliser).

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting two representatives from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, who were working in partnership with the Council on this item.

It was noted that as a Highways Authority the Council maintained 8,750 kilometres of roadside verges, of which 6,173 km were termed as being 'rural' and largely bounded by grass verges.  It was highlighted that the Local Authority was required to keep verges in a safe and unobstructed condition.  The Committee noted that the current practice was to flail mow a 1.1m strip of the verge, and wider swathes around visibility zones at road junctions, leaving the mown vegetation in situ.  As a result of recent budget pressures, the Council policy had been changed which had resulted in a reduction of the frequency of cuts from three to two.  The Committee noted further that work had been carried out over the last 18 months to evaluate more sustainable ways to maintain verges whilst meeting other objectives i.e. such as ensuring appropriate management of Lincolnshire's road verges designated for wildlife conservation value.  The final evaluation of which would be completed by early 2017.

Details pertaining to several significant opportunities for a wider uptake of innovative road verge management strategies were set out in the report presented.  The report also highlighted that in theory the Low Input High Density biomass resource available from verges alone could annually provide sufficient electricity for about 4,500 homes, or gas for 1,100 homes.  The Committee noted that there were also other potential sources that could be used, such as watercourses, public open spaces, parks and commons, golf courses, MoD sites etc.

Officers advised the Committee that the Lincolnshire study had received national attention and as a result some discussion had been had with relevant government departments and industry bodies concerning the study.

In conclusion, the Committee was advised that from the work done to date, and the analysis of the research so far had reinforced initial indications that there was a significant opportunity in harvesting verge biomass, and using it as feedstock in Anaerobic Digestion.  The potential benefits of the scheme were detailed on page 131 of the report represented.

The next steps highlighted were to complete and publish research information, and consider the conclusions reached; continue the development of potential business models; and to continue to lobby with others for an appropriate regulatory and support framework.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

·         The potential start date of the scheme.  The Committee was advised, that there was still lots of planning and development to do, and therefore no definite date could be given at this time;

·         Some members agreed that the scheme was a wonderful opportunity and that it should be pushed forward; as the County would be tidier, which would help the County promoting tourism; and it would also improve road safety;

·         One member enquired as to how many Anaerobic Digestion plants were in the County and their location.  Officers advised that there were 15/16 plants throughout the County; and that most of the plants were able to store materials on site;

·         The potential for contamination in grass verges.  The Committee was advised that Leeds University screening process had identified an undetectable amount of contaminants.  It was highlighted that there was however more litter in verges on busier roads, and this would be one of the challenges in the process;

The Committee was advised that the grass verges through Lincolnshire were very important for wild flowers; and that harvesting the verges was a way of improving them and working in partnership would benefit Lincolnshire as a whole.  A Wild Flower Identification Guide publication was circulated to all members of the Committee for their information.

The Committee expressed their support to the project and hoped that the project would be starting as soon as practically possible.

RESOLVED

The Committee welcomed the report, and expressed their support for the project.