March and April saw a spike in odour complaints; which on the face of it may have been exacerbated by the mechanical breakdown with a long delay on replacement parts. However, Rachael & Paul were advised at the time that this was not connected with issues. The Borough Councillors representing Priorslee and Muxton sought a meeting with Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) Officers to discuss the landfill and seek further answers.
In summary, the problems are likely caused by increased rainfall, wetter windows and change in atmospheric conditions. Other changes such as the fact that waste is now shredded and the recyclable materials such as metals are removed also affects the decomposition of the non-hazardous waste deposited in the cells. This response has been the standard answer over the past two years. Given the level of complaints received by the Environment Agency, the site has become a priority with increased compliance and oversight monitoring, and unannounced visits take place every few weeks instead of 6 monthly.
Rachael & Paul submitted several questions; some of which they are still awaiting for answers:-
- What are the actual gas readings including dates and locations? A – TWC rely on Environment Agency (EA) to monitor this. Cllrs had understood TWC were also monitoring but it appears not. We have asked this to resume.
- Details of breaches and notices? A – to be advised but there has been regulatory intervention in relation to the site operation.
- What are the regulatory limits? How close to these is the operation? A – TBA.
- Why are there problems after 30 years of SITA operations having no issues? A – There is no change in material waste, but it is processed differently as set out above. It is also worth noting that properties have been built close to the site, bringing resident and a landfill closer.
- Can there be a review of the planning consent conditions? The site has planning consent for the current activities until end December 2030. A – There is no breach of planning condition
- What ongoing income does TWC receive from the operator? A – TBA. In the past monies have been received which have been spent on the Granville Park, Dothill nature reserve and Newport canal for environmental projects.
- What is the potential liability or exposure to TWC in the event of failure of the operator? A – This is the jurisdiction of the EA it is their responsibility.
- What are the potential health issues? A – TBA but residents are advised to seek medical advice in the event of feeling unwell.
The Priorslee Conservative Councillors are putting the EA’s latest update in the comments. I will say their comms with us are very good, return calls, discuss openly etc. However, the real message is that they are lacking teeth. However bad the site is, they are operating within acceptable limits. It seems to me that those rules and limits need reviewing if that’s the case. As the site is within the Wrekin constituency (just), Rachael & Paul am going to write to the Member of Pariliament for The Wrekin constituency, the Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP, requesting that he raises it with the relevant Minister, who is currently Emma Reynolds MP.
The other matter to bear in mind is that it is both expensive and difficult to open a new landfill site with required licences etc. This means operators are going to hang on to their existing sites for as long as they are able. Rachael & Paul's view is that any prospect of this site being closed prior to December 2030 will be met with strong opposition. That's just their opinion, though.
This update will not be what residents wish to read; but the team will always try to be honest. It doesn’t mean that we just don’t act for the next 3½ years; I will continue hold Potters to account. As well as the numerous phone calls and emails, Conservative councillors have tabled Motions at TWC Full Council; asked Questions of the Cabinet; featured in the media and radio and demanded meetings with appropriate officers and always kept you up to date. It has made a difference; we have had periods with no issues and the EA have served the Operator with Notices and required plans to mitigate the issues when they have arisen. Without this action, the team are not convinced that intervention would have taken place.
