Archived decisions

Contact: Roger Stow, ext 6731

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update since the July meeting of the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee on measures implemented to address complaints about odour problems at the Down End green waste composting facility at Fareham, operated by Hampshire Waste Services Limited (HWS).

2. Background

2.1 On 24 July 2001 the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee considered a second interim report, bringing Members up to date on the measures being implemented to address complaints relating to odour problems at the Down End green waste composting facility operated by HWS.

2.2 Composting started at the site following approval of an environmental management scheme in April 2000. By late July of that year residential properties in the vicinity of the site were experiencing odour problems, and over 500 complaints were received by Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency during 2000 and the first quarter of 2001.

2.3 Hampshire County Council, Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency have worked closely with HWS to seek a solution to the odour problems. HWS:

(i) ceased the import of green waste to the site;

(ii) removed most of the material under process;

(iii) completed an odour control system, fencing and tree and shrub planting;

(iv) commissioned new processing equipment from the United States of America;

(v) undertook repairs to the concrete base; and

(vi) reviewed on-site water management.

2.4 In July 2001 Members noted the actions already taken and resolved that a further report on the situation be submitted to this Committee in October 2001.

3. Further Report

3.1 The new processing equipment was delivered on-site at the beginning of July, enabling the windrows of green waste to be turned frequently - at least once a week. This produces ideal conditions for composting without the waste becoming anaerobic, which could lead to leachate and odour problems.

3.2 The import of green waste has been gradually increased and the site was operational again by the end of August. At present 2,100 tonnes of material are being processed (compared with 12,000 tonnes at any time last year). However, turnover is expected to be more frequent since processing time is reduced. Full production is expected by April 2002 although throughput has yet to be assessed.

3.3 On-site water management has been reviewed and a submersible pump is used to empty the silt lagoons periodically to maximise aeration of the water.

3.4 Emissions have been monitored by the Environment Agency from the old windrows to provide base data for monitoring the new operations.

3.5 Since the report in July 2001 five complaints have been received concerning odours and noise from the site in mid-August. These complaints were investigated by Fareham Borough Council's Environmental Health Officer who undertook two site visits. On these occasions smell was detected but was very transient and could not be classed as a nuisance.

3.6 Regular meetings have continued with the Environment Agency, Fareham Borough Council and HWS to monitor progress and a further meeting is scheduled for December 2001.

4. County Planning Officer's Comments

4.1 HWS is taking reasonable steps to resolve the odour problems at this site and the site is currently operating within acceptable limits set by the regulatory authorities. The success of green waste composting is crucial to the implementation of Hampshire's household waste strategy.

4.2 The site will continue to be monitored by the regulatory authorities and regular meetings will continue with the parties involved. A further report will be presented to Members in three months' time when the effectiveness of the new equipment and other control measures have been more fully assessed.

Recommendation

That the report be noted and a further report be presented to Members in January 2002.

6706/RS