“There is stuff going in that shouldn't be going in. i.e asbestos, metal 1000l chemical waste containers. Do a test hole, a random one not one that they choose. There is video proof.”
Asbestos is permitted as per the permit (Walleys-Permit-301020.pdf (redindustries.co.uk). As for the Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), they are permitted to dump those where the product within them has solidified or is a sludge, but I would be interested to know the fate about the damaged ones I have seen next to the concrete loading pad.
“It’s so close to housing, and the waste comes from all over the country.”
I believe that it was a mistake that the secretary of state overruled the local government to permit this so close to residential areas in the first place. A mistake we have been forced to live with. However, the local planning office must take responsibility for housing developments that have been approved since the landfill became active.
“Swear I’ve seen that asbestos is allowed in the permit, not sure about the containers.”
Correct, although Red Industries claim to not have disposed of asbestos. The only complication is that it must be segregated from other waste types.
“I hope the site will be close down soon, I don't want landfill so close to my home as it stinks.”
I think the probability of forcing an early close and capping is very low. However, active waste phase will finish in December 2026, and I would expect the smell to diminish considerably beyond that. With the increased fill-rate, I expect the active phase to finish sooner, 2024 by my estimate, but please do not hold me to that.
“Why can't they be made to retrospectively install active landfill gas collection and a combustion plant (which converts methane to CO2)?”
This system already exists, but perhaps is not functioning as well as it should. An additional 10 gas wells are currently being dug to improve the system, and an additional generator is being installed alongside the three that are there currently to generate even more electricity.
“Litter: I know there is some attempts to collect litter but with windy conditions efforts are minimal and there is increasing and excessive litter on the adjacent roads, sadly in the graveyard and blowing into the village. They need to do something more about this; its disrespectful and attracts vermin outside the site.”
I agree, the litter should not have escaped the site. In my opinion, this is indicative of insufficient cover material or not compacting it enough.
“Are they supposed to cover the mound out of hours, to help with the smell, and are they doing that?”
They are supposed to, but I cannot independently verify that this is done and how well.
“Just to check - So whilst they are allowed to tip an increased amount per year is the total final amount that can be tipped still the same? (So, if it continues as is it will just reach capacity sooner.)”
Total capacity will remain the same, so increased fill rate should cause the end of the active phase sooner.
“The increase in gulls is significant and the noises to deter mean they fly into the village; this is starting to impact on the local bird life and again levels of hygiene/vermin concern in the village. In addition, the noises are having an impact on our dogs. A number of dog walkers have talked about a rise in their pets’ anxiety; resulting in more reactive dogs and owners are spending more on training techniques and calming remedies. What else can be done about the gulls?”
This one is a tricky one. I believe gulls are actually a protected to some degree. Creative ideas much appreciated.
“Why aren’t the plastics being recycled?”
Some of the plastics are not recycled because they are too heavily contaminated. For instance, some of the smell associated with the landfill is due to the decomposition of food contamination on the packaging. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that we all wash our packaging before recycling.
“Sorry but fairly new to this what waste is the landfill licensed to accept?”
Grab a stiff drink and start at page 16 of this: Walleys-Permit-301020.pdf (redindustries.co.uk)
“Please verify your retraction of the health statement? There is certainly an impact on mental health and well-being which is exasperated during lockdown. Some of us have to work from home and so are locked in our homes because of the odour. We cannot go out in the gardens, hang our washing out, or even open our windows. This is also invariably impacting on our work. I am happy to report the odour to the EA daily if I have to (as I smell it daily) but what good is it really going to do?”
I cannot verify the retraction, but I believe there is evidence to suggest that direct health effects are possible. I believe this will be a constant battle of pressure. If we keep reporting to the EA, the EA will be forced to heap pressure on Red Industries, Red will heap pressure on CLP and the odour should at least be reduced. Take the pressure off, and we’re back to square one. I am going to meet with Red to discuss what more they can do voluntarily to avoid these conflicts, but I cannot make any promises.
“Mullaghglass landfill in Ireland has netting covering it. Is this something we should be asking for?”
Question sent to Red Industries, will get back to you with an answer.
“Is the tip licensed to accept liquid waste?”
Having a quick look through the licence, they can accept sludge, but not liquid waste. (Walleys-Permit-301020.pdf (redindustries.co.uk)).
“Are you discounting the Italian study on landfills? If so why?”
I have yet to read that study, it is on my “to-do” list.
“If it has already been indisputably identified by the EA that Walleys is responsible for the smell, why the need for the NCC £50k investigation? If people have differing sensitivities to hydrogen sulphide, do the EA investigators reflect these differences to truly represent the impact on the community?”
NBC’s £50,000 investigation was announced before another round of EA monitoring. Personally, I see the need for as many independent investigations as possible to give confidence in the data. The EA do nose calibration studies to underpin their 1-6 scale, but it does not sit well with me as a detection method when portable parts-per-billion detectors are available, albeit at significant cost.
“Do they collect the methane?”
Yes, this is the primary purpose of the gas extraction system. Pulling off hydrogen sulphide is a welcome side-effect.
“What are they planning to do about the smell, local community can't carry on with the smell?”
This is part of the ongoing investigation. With the EA air monitoring survey taking place over the next three months, I suspect the smell will diminish. I do not believe there will be a “silver-bullet” solution to this, it will be a case of us keeping pressure on the EA and the EA then putting pressure on Red Industries, until the active phase is complete.
“Science is all well and good, but we need to stop our exposure to hydrogen sulphide now. If they don't close it asap, what compensation will locals receive since some have received 5k each?”
I agree. A landfill being approved so close to residential areas is madness. However, we are where we are, and the regulations are such that there is not much that can be done. We are exploring multiple options, but some of these will take time. I am not aware of the compensation, so I am afraid I cannot comment on this. I suspect any compensation was awarded with a gagging clause.
UPDATE: Evidence has been found in Public records that that compensation was paid, and subject to confidentiality agreements. This would have been under Lafarge, not Red Industries.
See page 4, https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewDocument.aspx?fileid=17855921
“On Google maps satellite imagery, I can see some sort of quarry near Keele. How do we find out whether there are landfill plans once they finish whatever they are doing?”
Is this the one you mean (https://goo.gl/maps/uJF22DYCYrfaTTth6)? Please can you email regulation@staffordshire.gov.uk to ask about it and get back to us? I’m afraid I’m snowed-under with landfill-related tasks. Do let me know if you get nowhere though, we have direct contacts if required.
“'19 permit breaches' doesn't really reflect / indicate the population affected by these individual breaches - can the number of public incidents reported for each breach be included within this reporting?”
Please can you email this enquiry to Enquiries_Westmids@environment-agency.gov.uk ? They will be better placed to answer this than me.
“Lots of different slurries are listed in the permit.”
Correct.
“Why does it take 15 years for restoration?”
Landscaping is generally a slow process and will depend on the availability of suitable inert materials and the clays for the engineered cap. Additionally, the gas management and leachate systems will have to keep running for a few years to manage any residual pollution.
“If the landfill is impossible to close before 2026, then it becomes absolutely crucial to reduce the stench. Can Red do something more on that issue, that it is not doing at the moment? Or are we condemned to unmitigated misery until 2026 - residents, businesses, Keele University students and staff?”
This is what I am working on. I hope there is an amicable solution where Red Industries do more than the regulatory minimum for the sake of being good neighbours. There are decent folk working for Red Industries that I am in dialogue with.
“Who is carrying out the investigation on behalf of the council?”
Pass, sorry. It might not even have been tendered yet. If you contact NBC on 01782 717717 they might be able to tell you. Be prepared for long hold-times, however.
“If Red haven't filled the landfill by 2027 what happens? An extension?!”
I think that’s it; they have to make up any voids with inert material only. With the increased fill-rate of the revised permit, I suspect it will be full long before that though.
“What are they going to do about the smell? it gives me blisters on my throat.”
Please, of you have not done so already, go to your GP and discuss any health issues and what you believe is causing them. This needs recording by medical professionals.
“The regulations seem very much based on device measurements but there seems to be less worry about actual human impact of smell. surely mental health and property value impacts are relevant. if the law doesn't already take this into account then the law is wrong and is biased towards landfill companies.”
The law is wrong. As a first-world country, we should not be relying on hydrogen sulphide guidance from the WHO, which is the bare-minimum internationally. Unfortunately, having spoken with Aaron Bell on the matter, changes to the law are very slow, and unlikely to be applied retrospectively to an existing landfill site.
“Do we know if there are more things RED could be doing to help with the smell but aren't because they dispute the community reporting?”
I will be discussing this with Red Industries next time I meet them (as long as they didn’t take too much offence at me calling out their chairman’s past behaviour).
“The Accrulog unit costs approx. £5k.”
Thank you very much indeed. That’s not bad actually, and well within the £50k budget that NBC have assigned to their investigation. It will need bump-testing equipment of course, and someone to manage it, but that is feasible. Any volunteers to approach NBC and suggest that they acquire this equipment? If not, I can do it, but it might take a little while until I get to it.
Additional information:
1. The cutting of the trees at the perimeter was conducted by Western Power to provide sufficient clearance to power cables. This was not the work of Red Industries.
2. 10 new gas extraction wells are currently being added to the landfill site, mostly in Cells 1 & 2, but some minor work is occurring in Cell 3. This should reduce odour.
3. Red industries were invited and did attend the call tonight, so are interested in what we have to say. I am hoping to find a long-term amicable solution to all this.