We are continuing to have a regular presence at Withyhedge Landfill and in surrounding communities to monitor activity at the site and evaluate the impact of the actions taken to date.

We are receiving odour reports most days and we will continue to use these reports to inform our regulatory response and odour assessments.

We are also continuing with our investigation into several non-compliances with the site operator’s Environmental Permit. The resulting evidence will be reviewed to decide upon the appropriate response.

An emergency landfill gas flare has been installed at the site by the operator. This interim measure has been undertaken by the operator with the intention of managing the increased volumes of landfill gas being produced.

We have reviewed an emissions risk assessment for the emergency flare, which indicates that emissions are unlikely to result in exceedance of the relevant environmental assessment levels. We have requested the operator to undertake emissions monitoring to inform a more detailed assessment.  

We are continuing our discussions with the site operator on permanent improvements to the gas management system to increase capacity and improve resilience.

Read RML’s news updates here.

Our Pollution Control Team met onsite in Spittal this week to set up a real-time static monitor. This equipment will allow air quality monitoring contractor, Ricardo Ltd, to carry out a real time hydrogen sulphide (H2S) monitoring survey, complete with associated reporting.

This monitor is scheduled to remain in place for six months, covering the upcoming winter season. During this period, the colder weather typically hinders the dispersal of H2S, which previously led to an increase in residential complaints.

To ensure precise data collection, the monitor is also equipped with a meteorological station, providing independent measurements of wind speed and direction.

We've received four monitoring reports from Geotechnology Ltd. The first two are reviewed and posted online on our Air Quality page with comments from PHW. Reports three and four are under review and will be available soon.

After careful consideration and valuable feedback from the public, we've decided to transition from our weekly newsletter to an approach that we believe will offer more value.

Please be reassured that communicating with you is still very important to us. We will continue to provide updates at significant moments to keep you informed and connected. The frequency of these updates will be informed by developments at the site.

NRW is still receiving odour reports most days and continues to undertake odour assessments as part of its regulatory compliance assessment.

These assessments are driven by reports we receive from the public and therefore we urge people to continue reporting odours as soon as they experience them. 

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