Monitors could be installed to record the impact of the Hafod landfill, however a councillor has warned it will not alter issues and has requested an ‘immediate more stringent regime’ be put in place ‘without delay’.
The area has been plagued with a hydrogen sulfide style smell – or rotten / off eggs odour – with the the issue itself dating back years.
There was a festive call for the site to be shut down after it appeared to stink out most of Wrexham on Boxing Day.
NRW – Natural Resource Wales – has come under fire recently with concern job cuts therewill negatively affect the already pressured organisation.
NRW recently said the Hafod landfill permit is at “the expected standard of all landfills in Wales” prompting councillors to hammer the regulation process.
Until lately the Chair of the Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee – an entity of councillors who help ensure that Wrexham is an environmentally responsible County Borough – Cllr Paul Pemberton, said, “We recently forwarded correspondence to various bodies in reference to the ongoing noxious odours from the landfill site. Wrexham Council’s Public Protection team have responded that they have had meetings with Betsi Cadwalader, Public health board and Public health Wales to discuss a request to investigate air quality impacts on the surrounding community relating to emissions from the landfill site.
“We are informed that it was agreed by all parties that they look at the possibility of installing remote real time air quality monitoring devices to assess the presence of gasses associated with landfill operations.
“A number of devices have been identified and manufacturers are being liased with”
“NRW have also met with the operator to discuss best way forward. It is envisaged that these devices will be in position for up to 12 months to assess.
“We are told that the information gathered from the enhanced monitoring would support NRW in its regulatory role and enable Public health Wales and Betsi Cadwallader to assess public health impacts.
“Whilst we are grateful for a more attentive approach, it will not alter the odour problem in the short term we feel that an immediate more stringent regime should be put in place without delay to mitigate the extreme odours coming from the landfill site until all the data from the new measures can be collated and actioned on.”
Cllr Pemberton added, “This is a crucial step forward in ensuring that we address any environmental and public health concerns.The enhanced monitoring devices will give us the data we need to make informed decisions and ensure that our community’s health and well being remain a to priority .
Cllr Fred Roberts added, “Our commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health is unwavering. By working together With NRW the site operator we are taking proactive measures to monitor and mitigate risk.
Cllr Steve Joe Jones also emphasised the importance of working together, adding “This is an important opportunity for data to be collected that will help to make informed decisions moving forward. We are committed to ensuring that our community remains safe and healthy. The enhanced monitoring devices are expected to provide valuable data that will guide further action and ensure thay any potential environmental or public health risks are addressed promptly.”
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