Contact: Roger Stow, ext 6731

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on actions taken in response to odour problems at the Down End green waste composting facility at Fareham, operated by Hampshire Waste Services Limited (HWS), since the October 2002 meeting.

2. Background

2.1 On 23 October 2002 Members considered a 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 were advised that discussions were ongoing between the responsible bodies which deal with complaints, and the Environment Agency could be asked to consider modifying the site licence to reduce the inputs to the site if that could be shown to be contributing to the problem.

2.2 Members noted the report and resolved that a further report be presented to the Committee in March 2003 when the effectiveness of the revised working practices had been assessed, and that HWS be invited to discuss with the County Council the possible relocation of the green waste composting facility and alternative uses for the site.

3. Revised Working Practices

3.1 Since the October meeting, three complaints have been received by the regulatory authorities, two relating to odour in October/November and one relating to noise in February.

3.2 Officers of the County Council, Fareham Borough Council and the Environment Agency have met with HWS to explore the causes of the odour problems; and to discuss possible solutions.

3.3 The conclusion is that odour problems were likely to be caused by windrows becoming anaerobic as a result of the restriction on turning when the wind direction is broadly northerly or easterly. For a significant period in August and September 2002, when odour complaints peaked and wind was from that direction, HWS was unable to turn windrows by virtue of restrictions in the Working Plan approved by the Environment Agency. A variation in the Working Plan would enable windrows to be turned in such circumstances, if it appears that the windrows are at risk of becoming anaerobic or overheating.

3.4 The Environment Agency (EA), in liaison with officers of the County Council and Fareham Borough Council, has concluded that the way forward is to trial these new arrangements for a period to the end of June, to include weather conditions when odour complaints would be likely to arise without change, returning to the old working practice for comparison. During the trial period, HWS will advise the EA prior to turning windrows when the wind is in an unfavourable condition. Details will be recorded in the site diary and a report produced at the end of the trial period quantifying the turning; the reasons for turning; the effects on odour complaints; and the effects on the composting process, in particular the time to maturation. More regular turning is expected to reduce the process from 24 to 14 weeks, with less material on-site but permitting an extra cycle. The throughput would be reduced from the 35,000 tonnes of green waste per year, anticipated in the original Planning Application, to approximately 12,500 tonnes.

3.5 Other changes proposed include:

(i) a mobile odour masking spray device being used when windrows are turned in unfavourable conditions, in addition to the site perimeter odour neutralising spray diffusion system; and

(ii) shredded material being placed on the windrows to a maximum height of two metres and only placed into three metre windrows to prevent water-logging when necessary, following completion of the stabilisation phase of composting.

3.6 Should any complaints about odours or noise be received, prompt investigation will be undertaken by the site supervisor in accordance with a monitoring action plan, where appropriate in liaison with the EA.

4. Relocation and Alternative Uses for the Site

4.1 A meeting has been held with HWS to discuss the possible relocation of the green waste composting facility and the potential for alternative uses for the site.

4.2 Apart from any potential for relocating the Down End operation there is a need for additional green waste composting capacity in Hampshire to replace the shortfall at Down End and to meet local and national recycling targets. The County Council has initiated a site search for possible alternative locations for future green waste composting in south-east Hampshire and this is ongoing.

4.3 Alternative means of composting - for example enclosure - and alternative uses for realising the commercial value of the Down End site - for example some other form of waste transfer and processing, chalk extraction and processing or lorry parking and maintenance - all have environmental impacts which will need to be addressed before a view can be taken as to the acceptability of any particular development.

5. Chief Planning Adviser's Comments

5.1 HWS has continued to cooperate with the regulators in taking steps to resolve the odour problems at this site. The proposed trialling of the amendments to the Working Plan will enable HWS and the regulators to assess the success of the revised working practices.

5.2 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. Work on this will continue since the success of green waste composting is crucial to the implementation of Hampshire's household waste strategy.

5.3 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 practice trials has been assessed.

Recommendation

That the report be noted and a further report be presented to Members when the effectiveness of the revised working practice trials has been assessed.

7946/RS