Withyhedge Landfill: weekly update 07.06.24

Natural Resources Wales sent this bulletin at 07-06-2024 02:15 PM BST

Introduction

This is the sixth edition of our weekly update, which provides updates on actions being taken to address odour issues at Withyhedge Landfill in Pembrokeshire.

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Site update

Having a regular presence on site helps us to determine if further enforcement action is required, taking into consideration all the options available to us under the regulations.

Following the gas audit carried out by our officers two weeks ago, we have advised the site operator of further improvements needed to improve the gas management system. A detailed review of the system following the audit is ongoing.

RML last week published a detailed update on the work carried out on site to date.

Below are some up to date photographs of how the landfill currently looks taken by NRW officers during site visits.

Picture caption: Before and after the capping works at cell 8 over recent months.

Progression of capping works throughout cells 6 and 7

Picture caption: Before and after the capping works throughout cells 6 and 7

Picture caption: NRW image of walking floor lorry observed delivering clay to site on 31 May.

Air quality monitoring

The multi-agency Incident Management Team - which includes representatives from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), Public Health Wales (PHW) and Hywel Dda University Health Board - has this week been reviewing the Air Quality Monitoring Strategy for Withyhedge Landfill which has been developed the the Air Quality Group (AQG).

The AQG is chaired by PCC and has representatives from NRW and PHW. The primary purpose of the AQG is to gather air quality monitoring data and produce a public health assessment for consideration.

The document maps out where, when and how air quality monitoring should be conducted to ensure the monitoring data collected enables PHW to produce a public health assessment.

The monitoring strategy reflects locations where complaints have been received and where members of the public are likely to be. It utilises a combination of static and mobile monitoring equipment including a static monitor, continued use of diffusion tubes and Jerome analyser monitoring.

PHW have stated they are pleased to note that the capping operations at the site are complete. Public health advice from PHW to those exposed to odours remains unchanged.

Closing windows and doors when smells occur, or when the wind is blowing from the landfill towards your home, can help to stop smells coming inside.
Remember not to block windows or vents completely; this is because they provide air to vent cookers or heaters and can help to control damp.
Once an outdoor smell has passed, opening windows and doors will help get rid of any smells that remain.

Application for permit variation

We (NRW) have received an application for a permit variation from RML in relation to Withyhedge Landfill.

The variation application includes proposed amendments to restoration levels and modifications to monitoring programmes for groundwater, surface water and leachate. This application will be reviewed by our Installations Permitting team.

Due to the high public interest in this site, we have committed to engaging in public consultation as part of the determination process.

Odour assessments

Officers from NRW and PCC have continued with off-site odour assessments around Withyhedge Landfill this week.

In recent weeks, the teams from both organisations have recorded reductions in the regularity and strength of odour detected from the landfill. They have also recorded odours assessed as originating from other sources. There has been a reduction in the number of odour complaints received from local communities. However, both NRW and PCC recognise there are still times where odour complaints increase, particularly over weekends and are using information to undertake more targeted assessments.

Withyhedge Landfill information hub

On our ‘report a smell’ page you can also find an information hub where all updates are available in date order. This provides you with a complete overview of our multiagency response to the odour issue at the landfill to date.

Report an odour

If you smell a strong odour you believe to be coming from Withyhedge Landfill, please report it to us at the time you experience it.

Odour reports continue to help us build a picture of when and where any odours are prevalent in the community. They also help us assess the impacts of the remedial action taken by the operator, and inform our response.

Report a smell via our dedicated form or by calling 0300 065 3000.

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