Community and environment

Viridor takes its responsibility to protect the environment very seriously. We also recognise we have a duty of care towards those people who live or work near to our facilities. 

We will consider all the key environmental aspects of our proposed development in detail and take all necessary steps to maximise environmental and social benefits whilst minimising potential impacts

A full Environmental Impact Assessment has been prepared by independent experts, for submission with the planning application. 

A permit to operate the proposed facility must be gained from the Environment Agency (EA). This permit will only be granted once it is satisfied that the facility will be operated safely and without unacceptable impacts on the local community or the environment. As a condition of operation, the EA will regularly monitor the site to ensure all conditions are met.

The EfW facility will not accept hazardous waste or clinical wastes and will not result in any unacceptable risk to people or the environment.

To provide further reassurance, it has been calculated that particulate matter (PM) emissions from the proposed plant would be less than one per cent of those permitted under proposed strict national air quality standards.

Odour will be destroyed in the EfW process, virtually eliminating the possibility of smells outside the facility.

This waste reception area, and indeed, the entire site, will also be subject to high standards of ‘housekeeping’ and standard pest control measures – a practice already well established in all Viridor facilities.

By using waste as a fuel in a controlled environment under optimum conditions, the amount of greenhouse gas can be dramatically reduced. The generation of electricity also offsets the use of fossil fuel.

The carbon footprint is reduced further still by separating out recyclates at source through kerbside collection and similar schemes.

Community

Viridor’s proposals include improvements to the existing on-site Household Waste Recycling Centre, essential for local recycling and reuse activities in the area.

We are also planning to build an education and visitor centre for the benefit of the local and wider community, to support the council’s aim to increase awareness of waste prevention and recycling in the county.

It is anticipated that 35 to 40 new permanent jobs would be created at the site as well as temporary job opportunities arising during construction. 

Viridor considers all constructive feedback received during ongoing public consultation on its proposals, and will incorporate comment and suggestion where appropriate.

We also operate a ‘Good Neighbour Policy’, which includes regular community contact via site liaison group meetings. For further information or to get involved with  a liaison group get in touch via the Contact Us page or call 01823 721 400.