|
Welcome to the second edition of this weekly newsletter, which provides updates on actions being taken to address odour issues at Withyhedge Landfill in Pembrokeshire.
You’re receiving this as you have previously stated you wish to receive updates on this issue, or you have subscribed.
|
|
We have received notification of RML Ltd's (site operator) intention to cease waste acceptance temporarily at Withyhedge Landfill after 14 May.
This decision was taken voluntarily by the operator, and in no way impacts the deadlines set within the Regulation 36 Enforcement Notice we issued on Thursday 18 April.
The site will however, continue to accept soil and clay materials as part of their engineering works.
The operator has stated their intention to comply with the Notice by the 14 May deadline, and we will continue our regulatory presence on site.
|
|
|
Industry Regulation Team officers carried out a site inspection at Withyhedge Landfill on Wednesday 8 May. The site has confirmed its intention to comply with the Notice deadline (close of play 14 May).
The day of the site inspection was planned to align with deadlines contained within the Regulation 36 Notice for specific actions to have been carried out. These form part of the wider work required to be completed by 14 May.
These actions have been set in order to try and address the sources of the odours from the site.
The site operator has informed us that:
-
Works associated with the capping of the cell have continued this week. This has required the extension of three leachate wells within the uncapped section of the landfill. For short periods of time some leachate wells will need to be temporarily disconnected to allow capping works to be completed. Where this is necessary the operator has been instructed to re-connect the wells as soon as possible.
-
Additional landfill gas wells have been connected to the gas abstraction network, which transfers landfill gas to the Gas Utilisation Plant (GUP). This is situated in the southwest corner of the landfill and has been treating gas at the site since 2007. The site has two gas engines that are used to generate electricity, which is then sent to the National Grid. There is also a large, enclosed flare that is used to treat excess gas. The GUP is designed to have excess treatment capacity for the site’s gas generation.
The site's enclosed flare, which is used to treat excess gas.
The landfill gas well connected to the gas abstraction network, which transfers landfill gas to the GUP.
|
|
Regardless of the company’s intention to stop waste acceptance temporarily, the steps set out within the Regulation 36 Enforcement Notice must be completed by the end of Tuesday 14 May.
Our officers will then undertake a series of assessments and analysis on and off-site over the days following the deadline, and this will take some time.
Only when those assessments have been carried out and data analysed will we be in a clearer position to determine if the Regulation 36 Notice has been complied with, and whether the action taken by the operator has improved the odour issue.
If the series of steps required in this Notice are not complied with, we will consider the appropriate further enforcement action, looking at all options available to us under the regulations.
While the work required by the operator progresses over the coming days, the site remains under investigation, and we will continue our regulatory efforts.
|
Odour assessments have continued this week. These assessments are undertaken at various times of the day including early morning, daytime and late evening. We are also undertaking our assessments over the weekends.
Off-site odours associated with the landfill continue to be detected. This is also reflected in the number of odour complaints received, particularly over the Bank Holiday weekend.
We ask that instances of odour from the landfill continue to be reported at the time it is detected via our dedicated form: https://bit.ly/reportasmellwithyhedge or by calling 0300 065 3000.
|
|
|
Pembrokeshire County Council is looking for residents affected by the odours from Withyhedge Landfill to get involved in air quality monitoring.
Pembrokeshire County Council Assistant Chief Executive Richard Brown said:
"We understand that this situation with the unpleasant odours is a real nuisance for residents. We take all complaints seriously and have a dedicated team in place responsible for following up complaints from residents and undertaking monitoring.
"Maintaining clean air is a priority for our community – and this Authority along with our partners – are committed to proactive pollution monitoring, and working closely with NRW and the site operator to ensure they move to a position whereby foul odours from the site are eliminated.
“Our monitoring is ongoing and will align with colleagues from NRW to gather information on air quality levels both from a health and nuisance perspective – and we will be providing early morning and evening visits for the next three weeks.
“We would like to work with as many residents as possible and encourage them to report any odour concerns they may have – this information is vital in helping us address the issue effectively."
If you are a resident who would like to work with Pembrokeshire County Council on its air quality monitoring work email: ContactCentre@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
|
|
|
Public Health Wales has advised that odours and emissions from this site may be harmful to health. They suggest keeping doors and windows closed when the smells are present.
If you believe you are experiencing health or wellbeing symptoms due to odour emissions from Withyhedge Landfill, please seek medical advice - arrange an appointment with your local GP or call 111.
|
|
|
 |
|
If you’re reading this via social media, or a shared copy, did you know you can subscribe to receive a copy directly to your inbox?
Click this link and select ‘Withyhedge Landfill’ in the topics section when prompted.
|
|
|
|
|
