Contact: Peter Chadwick, ext 6728

1. Summary

1.1 This report advises the panel on the latest position at the Efford (Pennington) Gravel Pit and Landfill Site.

2. Background

2.1 New conditions for the gravel working and landfill operations at Efford were approved in 1999 following a review of the consent. The site has been operating in accordance with these conditions, as modified by the change in the working scheme permitted last year.

3. Progress at Efford

3.1 The phasing of the operations at Efford is shown on the attached plan. The current position is that tipping in the tipping cell within Phase 4A alongside the Ancient Highway has been completed, and the cell is being capped and then will be restored. The current tipping is in the tipping cell at the rear of Phase 4A. Gravel extraction in Phase 4B is complete and the Phase is being engineered in preparation for tipping. Gravel extraction has almost been completed within Phase 4C, the remaining area being alongside Phase 3A. No extraction will commence within Phase 4D until an impermeable barrier is installed around the Phase. Prior to installing this barrier further details need to be submitted and agreed by the County Council.

4. Pollution Management Scheme

4.1 The planning conditions require the submission of a Pollution Management Scheme. In accordance with this condition the County Council has submitted proposals for the construction of a cement bentonite wall around Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3, and capping and changing the landform of Phase1 and Phase 3. The capping, which would be with clay and change the landform, would prevent rain water entering the waste and so decrease leachate within the landfill. The proposals are interconnected as the material excavated to construct the trench would be used for the revised levels on Phase 1 and Phase 3. The intention was for these works to be carried out this summer. However there has been a delay as it became apparent that the construction of the trench would lead to the removal of some waste, as well as soils and subsoil. Therefore further details have been requested by the Environment Agency. As a result of this delay it is now proposed to carry out the works next Spring, as it is not practical to excavate the trench and install the cement bentonite wall during the winter weather.

4.2 In addition to these works, further submissions under the Pollution Management Scheme will be required for dealing with leachate and landfill gas.

5. Water Management Scheme

5.1 The Water Management Scheme is for handling surface water from the site, both while the site is operational and in the long term. The scheme submitted is still subject to discussion between, the County Council, Environment Agency English Nature and Hampshire Waste Services. The current position is that surface water will continue to be discharged via the existing consented discharge point. In addition the recharge trench has now been installed along the full length of the boundary with the marshes.

5.2 There has been allegations that the drying out of Keyhaven Marsh during the summer was due to dewatering operations within Phase 4B/C. However, no dewatering has taken place this year save that to deal with water which backed up from the Marshes in the Spring and entered Phase 4C. This matter was dealt with within a few days. Until all parties have agreed a Water Management Scheme based on the infrastructure now installed, Keyhaven Marsh will be vulnerable to summer drought. In the meantime the mineral and landfill operations are not causing any `drawdown' on the water table within the marshes.

6. Other Planning Applications

6.1 A planning application has been submitted by New Milton Sand and Ballast for mineral extraction and landfill at Lower Farm Pennington as an extension to their Manor Farm site. On receipt of the application the County Council carried out a screening opinion under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, which concluded that Environmental Assessment was required. The applicant was informed, and has now confirmed that an Environmental Statement will be submitted. Whilst the application has been registered, no further action will be taken until the Environmental Statement has been received and then further publicity will be undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

6770/PDC