Stop the Landfill - Objection Letter

Morriston Liberal Democrats have written to the Environment Agency to object to the granting of a permit. Feel free to copy it or send your own. The more objections and observations the Environment Agency get, the better. You have until 3rd September to get yours to them.

"I am writing to object formally to the proposal to give SI Green a licence to operate a landfill site at Cwmrhydyceirw Quarry.

I have a number of concerns regarding the suitability of this site for operation as a landfill. Firstly, the location is in a residential area which experienced considerable difficulties the last time the quarry was used as a landfill site, such as a foul smell and an abundance of flies. Secondly, the quarry is situated close to a number of schools and the amount of site traffic could endanger the safety of these children.

My specific concerns regarding the draft permit are as follows:

3.4.1 “Emissions from the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause annoyance outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures to prevent or where that is not practicable to minimise the odour”. I am deeply troubled that the operator will endeavour to lessen the smell but that it will still be prevalent and that the Environment Agency will be unable to enforce measures on them because of the use of the term ‘appropriate measures to prevent or where that is not practicable”. In my view any stench emanating from the site will ruin the quality of life for residents and devalue their houses and therefore must be dealt with in the strongest terms possible. Minimising the odour and using ‘appropriate measures’ will not give EA the opportunity to act on any complaints when they arise as the company will argue that all possible measures have been taken and that it is not practicable to take more.

Table S1.4B 1 “….If any trigger is reached the Agency shall be informed immediately, operations shall stop, and the matter investigated…..” This section of the table (as with many others) relies on a great deal of trust between the Agency and SI Green. I feel that a higher level of monitoring is required as self regulation can often lead to disastrous consequences.

Schedule 3 20 02 Garden and Park Wastes I am anxious that this waste may contain invasive fast growing plants such as knotweed which may carry into the surrounding region by air or other methods. I would request that this material is either not allowed to be dumped in the landfill or that strict regulations regarding its treatment and burial is included in the permit.

It is not clear to me from reading the draft permit that any “hazardous” materials found in the existing waste will be removed from the site. I understand that the definition of hazardous is open to interpretation and I therefore seek a clear scientific definition of what would constitute hazardous waste and ask that this be included in the permit. I am not convinced however that removing or even disturbing this waste will not impact adversely on the health of the residents of Morriston and surrounding area. If the licence is granted and the existing 70,000 tonnes of waste is reburied then the Environment Agency need to carry out vigorous control of the process so as to reduce the danger and nuisance to residents. I also would request a clause in the permit which requires a thorough evaluation of what is buried there through the boring of test holes before any work to re-site this waste begins.

Further to this I understand that the “liner” of clay and other materials is at present untested anywhere in the world, specifically on the north face. I am uneasy that disturbing the materials presently in the quarry will be hazardous to health and the problem will be compounded by a liner that may not work and subsequently leak into the ground and waterways.

I also seek reassurance from SI Green that traffic (estimated to be 44 20 tonne lorries per day) will be required to take a pre negotiated agreed route and that any damage to street furniture or the surface of the road caused by these lorries will be paid for direct to the local authority.

I would be grateful if you could consider my comments as part of the consultation process. Thank you."