Archived decisions

Contact: Roger Stow, ext. 6731

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a further update 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), since the October 2001 meeting.

2. Background

2.1 On 17 October 2001 Members considered a third interim report on the measures being implemented to address complaints relating to odour problems at the Down End green waste composting facility operated by HWS. Members noted the report and resolved that a further report be presented to the Committee in the summer of 2002.

2.2 Composting started at the site following approval of an environmental management scheme in April 2000. By late July, 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 The County Council, Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency have worked closely with HWS to seek a solution to the odour problems.

2.4 HWS ceased the import of green waste to the site; removed most of the material under process; completed odour control system fencing and tree and shrub planting; commissioned new processing equipment from the United States of America; undertook repairs to the concrete base; and reviewed on-site water management.

2.5 The new processing equipment was delivered on-site at the beginning of July 2001, enabling the windrows of green waste to be turned, at least once a week. Turning at this frequency produces ideal conditions for composting green waste without it becoming anaerobic, which could otherwise result in leachate and odour problems.

3. Further Information

3.1 Since July 2001 the import of green waste has gradually increased. Input tonnages for the period January to May 2002 were 6,255 tonnes. This equates to only 50% of design capacity for the period. Pro-Grow exported from the site for the same period was 3,200 tonnes.

3.2 On-site water management had been reviewed. A specialist contractor has been approached to provide a lagoon cleansing programme. When completed and all silt removed, a submersible pump will be installed to empty the silt lagoons periodically to maximise aeration of the water.

3.3 Emissions had been monitored by the Environment Agency from the old windrows to provide base data for monitoring the new operations. Comparative analysis undertaken by the Environment Agency in April 2001 and then repeated in November 2001 shows a significant reduction in the emission of potentially odorous compounds. The analysis for these compounds was undertaken to assess the effect of the new windrow aeration protocol. The analysis showed these compounds were below detectable levels during the November monitoring exercise. In addition to this analysis, independent consultants were commissioned to undertake olfactometery testing simultaneously to the Environment Agency sampling. This testing showed a significant reduction in odour arising from windrows.

3.4 Since the report in October 2001 some 40 complaints have been received concerning odour and noise from the site. These complaints were investigated by Fareham Borough Council's Environmental Health Officer and the Environment Agency and have either not been substantiated or have been resolved.

3.5 Regular meetings have continued with the Environment Agency, Fareham Borough Council and HWS to monitor progress.

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 twelve months' time or sooner if the regulatory bodies consider the effectiveness of the new equipment and other control measures to be inadequate.

Recommendation

That the report be noted and a further report be presented to Members in July 2003 or earlier, if considered appropriate.

7259/RS