The Environment Agency in the South West is to launch a consultation on its draft decision to issue an environmental permit for a non-hazardous waste incinerator at Exeter in Devon.
The Environment Agency in the South West is to launch a consultation on its draft decision to issue an environmental permit for a non-hazardous waste incinerator at Exeter in Devon.
The Agency has received an application from Viridor Waste Management Ltd for a permit for the plant at Exeter. This plant, also known as an energy from waste facility, burns waste at high temperatures, with the energy used to generate electricity.
The plant needs a permit from the Environment Agency. This permit will make sure that it operates without causing significant harm to the environment and human health.
Having considered the application and all other relevant information and responses, the Environment Agency now wish to consult the public. The consultation period will last for 20 working days, ending on 26th October 2009, allowing people to give their views on the draft permit and explanatory decision document.
Copies of the draft decision documents and documentation associated with the application will be available to view at the public registers held at the Environment Agency office at Exminster House or Exeter City Council offices.
It will also be made available in local libraries including St Thomas Library, Cowick Street, St Thomas, Exeter and in the Reference Library at Exeter Central Library.
'It's our role to make sure that incinerators are operated to meet strict environmental standards and the conditions of their environmental permits,' said Spence Seaman for the Environment Agency.
'Conditions in the permit will also ensure compliance with all relevant European Union legislation including new strict air emission and monitoring standards for plants of this type.'
Issuing the permit will be the first stage in the regulation of the plant. When the facility is up and running, we will ensure the emissions from the plant meet the rigorous standards and requirements of the permit.
'Should we ultimately decide to issue the permit, this would be only the first stage in our regulation of the plant. When the facility is up and running, we will monitor its environmental performance, including emissions to air, to ensure that permit conditions are not breached,' added Spence Seaman.
The main consultation on the application for a permit was held in 2007 and the site received planning approval from Devon County Council in 2008.
Any comments on the details and content of the draft permit and draft decision document should be made in writing by 26th October 2009 to:
National Permitting Service - Cardiff
5th Floor, Ty Cambria
Environment Agency
29 Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0TP
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