THERE is a growing crisis for those who live near the Withyhedge Landfill site – located half way between the north end of Haverfordwest airport and Scolton Manor.

Local residents have expressed deep frustration with the site’s new management, citing unbearable odours permeating the air on most days.

The controversy began following a variance order by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), allowing an additional 50,000 tons of waste from Cardiff to be dumped at the site. This has led to a constant stream of trucks and a noticeable decline in the area’s air quality.

Residents accuse Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) of deflecting responsibility, pointing fingers at NRW, a body they claim is increasingly unaccountable. The Council, however, insists it’s a matter for NRW, as the landfill is privately operated.

The situation has escalated to the point where locals, including children, are forced to live and learn in foul-smelling conditions. Despite numerous complaints to NRW and PCC, the issue persists, with many feeling their concerns fall on deaf ears.

As the problems have intensified, residents have taken to Facebook to express their anguish over the persistent and overpowering stench emanating from the site.

Adrian Pugh from Treffgarne lamented, “It’s such a lovely day to be out in the garden, but we’ve been driven indoors by the stench from Withyhedge landfill. Even with all windows shut, it’s crept into our conservatory and utility room. Yuck.” Pugh has been proactive in reporting the issue to NRW, urging others to do the same.

Andy Penton echoed the sentiment, having lodged complaints with the council, NRW, and local politicians. “The smell is just unbearable,” he stated.

Residents from surrounding areas, including Poyston Cross, Crundale, and along the A40, reported similar experiences. Paul Williams, a Poyston Cross local, mentioned, “I could smell it this morning before I went to work. It’s awful.” Elaine Brown from the same area described being almost sick driving past the landfill.

Mark Wilson highlighted the irony of the situation, “The whole place makes a joke of PCC’s recycling efforts. We recycle our waste and import all the crap from other counties.”

Sally Harries, another resident, emphasized the widespread ignorance about the volume of rubbish being brought into Pembrokeshire daily. She also raised concerns about the potential health implications, “Phoned NRW one evening at 10 pm to inform them that the smell was permeating through closed doors into our house. Horrible.”

Sue Whitehead noted the frequent movement of Atlantic Recycling lorries through the area, indicating the scale of waste transportation to the site.

The residents’ outcry reflects a deepening crisis, with the community demanding immediate and effective action to address the foul odour and its impact on their quality of life.

In response, the community plans to hold a public meeting early next year. Invitations will be extended to NRW, the management company RML, Potters Group (the site’s owners), and elected councillors. The goal is to demand immediate action and assurances for proper waste management and odour control.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed receiving public complaints about the landfill odours. During a joint visit with NRW officers, they reiterated their role in monitoring odour escape under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, despite NRW being the primary regulator.

The site operator has reportedly initiated a management plan to mitigate the issue. However, for many residents, these measures are too little, too late. They continue to urge affected individuals to sign a petition and report issues to NRW.

Pembrokeshire County Council said in a statement on Friday (Dec 21): “We can confirm that we have recently received complaints from members of the public relating to odours originating from the Withyhedge Landfill site.

Officers from the Council’s Planning and Public Protection Services have visited the facility this week alongside officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The site holds a permit issued by NRW and members of the public are encouraged to report any issues with odour to them; but we can confirm that officers from our Public Protection Service will be actively supporting staff in NRW by continuing to monitor odour escape from the site in nearby residential areas.

Whilst NRW is the site regulator, the Council has additional powers concerning whether odours constitute a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and our monitoring will continue on this basis.

The site operator has confirmed that a management plan has been put in place and actions are being taken on site to mitigate the situation and reduce impact on surrounding areas.

For further information please see the statement issued previously by Natural Resources Wales: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/news-and-blogs/statements/nrw-statement-on-odour-from-withyhedge-landfill-pembrokeshire/?lang=en “