Residents and Public Concern (SWLP: Strategic Environmental Assessment) More Info

The anxiety caused by the fact that risks to health, safety and adverse environmental impacts of this unproven process are poorly understood by science is a material issue of public concern. Many residents could suffer consequences of this whilst a small minority gain financially. The strong visual impact of the chimney stack will serve as a constant reminder of the possible threats to health and safety, and so maintain long-term anxiety.

Traffic Issues (SWLP: Policy W4) More Info

Haybridge residents local to the site are only too well aware of the potential problems that the 9,000 extra HGV movements will cause on the narrow Glencot Road and Titlands Lane every year. Many of these HGVs will travel along the A371 via Croscombe and through Wells city too. However, those living further afield should also be concerned by WP2’s intention to import waste from all areas of the region. Wells is not on the strategic road network or centrally located in Somerset. This is not an appropriate site.

The Proximity Principle (SWLP: Policy W2) More Info

This policy states that ‘waste should generally be disposed of as near to the place of origin as possible’. WP2 have stated that they will be sourcing their industrial waste from local businesses (St. Cuthbert’s Paper Mill, L A Moore Ltd., and Southwood Waste Management Ltd.). A recent letter to the local Wells Journal from the general manager of the Paper Mill stated that there were no contractual agreements with WP2 to supply industrial waste. The other two companies already collect waste from all over Somerset, and L A Moore Ltd. also import demolition waste from outside the county. No local Wells waste will be processed. Waste will be imported here!  

Adverse Impact on Wildlife and Geology (SWLP: Policy W10, W11, W12) More Info

This area of Somerset is well known for The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Wookey Hole and Ebbor Gorge Special Areas of Conservation, and other sites. Can we really estimate the damage that may be caused to these sensitive receptors by incinerator emissions and HGV traffic?

Adverse Environmental Effects (SWLP: Policy W3, W7) More Info

Despite WP2’s claims that their facility is not an incinerator, our research shows that it is. The EA accept that incinerators, old and new, have a similar pollution profile. Waste incinerators are accepted to be one of the most polluting technologies on the planet, producing thousands of chemicals about which little is known. WEPG are concerned about the cumulative effects of toxic dioxins, heavy metals and other chemicals.  

SWLP Policy on Incineration (SWLP: Policy W7) More Info

WP2’s incinerator must comply with this specific policy. It does not, because:

Regulation & Monitoring by EA (SWLP: Policy W3, W7) More Info

WP2 state that any adverse environmental impacts of their incinerator will be prevented by regulation from the EA. To date though, public records demonstrate this regulation to be inadequate in giving ‘proper regard to human health and the environment’. EA Monitoring is ‘based on what is technically achievable, rather than what is safe’. Whilst we appreciate the EA has a tough job to do, with limited resources, we are concerned that there are no guarantees of protection from the adverse impacts of this incinerator, especially since breaches of regulation are self-reported by the operator (WP2)!

The Waste Hierarchy (SWLP: Policy W5, W6) More Info

Only wastes left over after all materials have been re-used, recycled or composted are suitable for disposal by incineration according to the waste hierarchy. Whilst this may be true of waste from Southwood Waste Management Ltd., as it is a waste transfer station, this would not be true of the industrial waste from L A Moore Ltd. (or St. Cuthbert’s Paper Mill).

Best Practicable Environmental Option – BPEO (SWLP: Policy W1) More Info

WP2 must demonstrate that their pyrolysis incinerator is the best environmental, community and financial option for dealing with waste in Wells for the next 25 years. WEPG believe only re-use and recycling is the sustainable way forward, and so do residents, as Wells is already the best city in the UK with a rate of 55%.