Archived decisions

Contact: Roger Stow, ext 6731

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on complaints received since the July 2002 meeting about odour problems at the Down End Green Waste Composting Facility at Fareham, illustrated on the attached plan, operated by Hampshire Waste Services Limited (HWS).

2. Background

2.1 On 17 July 2002 Members considered a fourth 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 Committee in July 2003 or earlier, if considered appropriate.

2.2 By early August 2002, properties in the vicinity of the site were again experiencing odour problems and over 140 complaints have been received to date by Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

2.3 Officers of the County Council, Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency (the regulators) met with HWS to express their continuing concerns, explore the source of the renewed odour problems and discuss possible solutions.

2.4 As reported previously, HWS undertook a series of modifications to the site operations and infrastructure to try to resolve the problem, including odour control fencing and a smell neutralising system, wind direction monitoring and new processing equipment enabling the windrows of green waste to be turned more frequently, so as to produce ideal conditions for composting green waste without it becoming anaerobic.

2.5 Having reviewed operations at the site, there appears to be a correlation between the number of complaints received, the amount of green waste accepted at the site and the inability to turn windrows during adverse weather conditions. Therefore, to prevent further complaints it would appear to be necessary to restrict the amount of waste to more easily manageable levels, to manage the windrows more effectively and to modify the Working Plan accordingly.

2.6 The regulators are working to try to quantify and substantiate the problem by responding quickly to complaints. This has proved problematic due to the transient and temporary nature of the odour. Investigations are continuing and, if appropriate, the Regulators will pursue formal enforcement action under their appropriate legislation. Meanwhile, HWS has cooperated with authorities and agreed to take any necessary steps to modify its working procedures to resolve the situation.

2.7 A letter from the Environment Agency, on behalf of the regulators, has been sent to residents in the area explaining the situation and inviting complaints to be made to the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. The Agency is also passing these details to Fareham Borough Council, whose officers are also investigating the complaints.

3. County Planning Officer's Comments

3.1 The operation of the site continues to cause concern to residents in the vicinity. Whilst it is not always possible to substantiate these complaints, there is clearly a problem which is proving difficult to resolve to everybody's satisfaction. HWS has cooperated with the regulators and taken steps to resolve the odour problems at this site. However, there is still scope for improvements to working practices to be tried and for consequent amendments to the Working Plan to be made.

3.2 The success of green waste composting is crucial to the implementation of Hampshire's household waste strategy. Therefore, if the odour problems at the site are not resolved, alternative solutions will be required, including, if necessary, relocation and possible alternative uses for the site.

3.3 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 when the effectiveness of the revised working practices have been assessed.

Recommendations

1. That the report be noted and a further report be presented to Members in March 2003 when the effectiveness of the revised working practices has been assessed.

2. That Hampshire Waste Services Limited be invited to discuss with the County Council the possible relocation of the green waste composting facility and alternative uses of the site if the revised working practices prove unsuccessful.

7478/RS