Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Regulator issues update on gas emissions at Withyhedge Landfill Site

Published

on

Work to manage landfill gas emissions which have impacted communities surrounding Withyhedge Landfill must continue with pace, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said on Friday (Jul 19) as it confirmed that the requirements set out in recent Enforcement Notices served on the site have been met.

NRW issued site operator Resources Management UK Ltd (RML) with two separate Regulation 36 Enforcement Notices on 13 February 2024 and 18 April 2024, setting out urgent steps to be taken by the operator to address the odour and landfill gas emission issues at the site.

The Notices included a series of actions to be completed by specified deadlines. These included the capping of areas of the site, and the installation of infrastructure designed to collect and contain landfill gas at two separate areas of the site.

NRW has now received and reviewed reports relating to the engineering works carried out by the operator to ensure they have been completed to the required standard.

While these assessments confirm that the Notice requirements have been met, NRW recognises that odours have continued to be reported and detected in communities surrounding the landfill beyond the deadlines set for the works. This is due, in part to the time it takes for the engineering work to become fully operational and effective.

Protests have taken place about the site

Following NRW’s detailed audit of the system which collects and treats landfill gas at the site, several areas of concern have been identified. These have been outlined in detail with the operator’s Directors, site management and RML’s specialist landfill consultant. The operator is now working on addressing the issues.

While there has been a significant reduction in the number of odour complaints over recent weeks, any fugitive emissions of landfill gas can cause off-site odours. The focus of NRW’s continued regulatory presence on site will be to ensure RML continues to drive the improvements needed to the system with pace, and to ensure they demonstrate that they are effectively managing the landfill gas from their operations.

NRW is also continuing its investigations at the site. Only when that process is completed can we determine if charges should be brought for any offence relating to breaches of their environmental permit conditions.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West Operations at Natural Resources Wales said: “Carrying out all the assessments required to determine compliance with an Enforcement Notice takes time. Landfills are dynamic entities and we needed to be sure that we had all the evidence and data required to ensure we could be satisfied that the operator had met the requirements set out in the Notice to improve the containment and collection of landfill gases at the site.

“However, compliance with this Notice does not mean that the job is done. While the number of reports of odour has decreased significantly over recent weeks, we know that there are issues with the gas management system at the site which the operator must address. This has been the focus of our regulatory work in recent weeks, and this will continue over the coming days and weeks.

“We still have a range of enforcement options available to us under the regulations, and we will not hesitate to use them if required. The site remains under investigation, and we continue to press the operator to continue to work at pace and demonstrate that they are effectively managing landfill gas emissions at Withyhedge landfill.”

Local campaigner, Colin Barnett, who heads the Stop the Stink campaign said: “It is disappointing though that it is NRW who have publicly set deadlines for the cessation of the toxic gas from this site, and now they are telling us it takes time for any improvement to be effective… ‘how long is a piece of string’ comes to mind.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has responded to Natural Resources Wales (NRW)’s latest update on Withyhedge landfill site, calling for the site to be closed down.

Mr Davies said: “Whilst RML may have now complied with the latest Enforcement Notices, the fact remains that people are continuing to suffer because of this operator and I believe it’s vital that the site is closed down. NRW has made it clear that further investigations are still taking place and the operator could still face charges relating to breaches of their environmental permit conditions.”

“Make no mistake, this is far from over and it’s even more important now that there is an independent public inquiry into the management of the Withyhedge landfill site, so that the community can get the answers it deserves and the operator can be held accountable for their actions.”

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

on

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].

Continue Reading

Community

Milford Haven pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Published

on

A COMMEMORATION service was held on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on Sunday (Apr 27) to mark ANZAC Day and to honour those who fell in all conflicts, especially at Gallipoli and Normandy.

The event also paid tribute to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed near the site during the Second World War.

A strong turnout gathered for the moving service, with local groups including the Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, and military representatives in attendance. Milford Haven’s Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

The service, organised by the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC forces and others over the years.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Town Council said: “A lovely turnout for the ANZAC Day memorial service. We will remember them!”

ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand, and across the world, to commemorate the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War, as well as those who served and died in all wars and conflicts.

(Images: MHTC)

Continue Reading

Community

Raw sewage floods school playground hours after major development plans lodged

Published

on

A MAJOR sewage flood at Broad Haven School has sparked outrage in the village, coming just hours after a planning application was submitted for a 76-home development that would put even greater pressure on the area’s already stretched infrastructure.

On Saturday (Apr 26), a burst sewage pipe flooded the school’s playground, covering it in raw sewage in scenes likened by locals to “cattle slurry.” Welsh Water responded quickly with vans and engineers to contain the incident. Pembrokeshire County Council contractors were on site on Sunday disinfecting the contaminated area and working to remove the worst of the stench.

Fortunately, the sewage did not enter the school building itself. However, the lower part of the playground — where the playgroup stores its outdoor equipment — has been badly affected. The Herald understands much of the playgroup’s equipment is likely beyond saving.

The school is hopeful it will be able to open as normal on Monday (Apr 28), although the playgroup section will remain closed due to the loss of equipment.

The timing of the flood could not be more controversial. Just the day before, Mill Bay Homes submitted a major planning application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for 76 houses on land east of Marine Parade in Broad Haven. Developers have pledged £500,000 to upgrade pumping systems to support the new estate, but villagers fear that these improvements will not address the broader, long-standing problems with the area’s sewage system.

A concerned local resident, who asked not to be named, told The Herald: “It’s such an old system, it all needs starting from scratch. Millbay Homes are paying £500,000 to upgrade pumps, but it will only mitigate their own 72 houses. It won’t solve the wider problem.

“The treatment works already can’t cope. Now with bigger storms and more extreme weather, this kind of sewage spill is just going to happen more often.”

Official figures show that Broad Haven’s sewage treatment works discharged untreated sewage into the environment for more than 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate incidents recorded.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor for The Havens, Nick Neumann, visited the flooded school site on Saturday and praised Welsh Water for acting swiftly to clean and sterilise the area. However, he said the weekend’s events proved beyond doubt that urgent infrastructure investment is needed.

He said: “Dŵr Cymru really do need to double down and invest more into the infrastructure of The Havens. The frequency of discharges onto the beach is evidence enough that the system is not fit for current purpose, let alone for more properties.”

Councillor Neumann confirmed he would be writing to Dŵr Cymru this week to press for action. He urged residents to contact local MP Henry Tufnell to increase pressure on the authorities to secure major upgrades.

Broad Haven’s sewage system, designed decades ago for a much smaller village, relies on pumps to push waste uphill out of the valley to treatment works. The Herald understands that these facilities are now operating at or beyond their intended capacity.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will now face mounting scrutiny as it considers the 76-home application against the backdrop of widespread concern about whether Broad Haven’s basic infrastructure can cope with further expansion.

Despite the creaking infrastructure, the water company have been praised for their swift response to the school incident by locals.

Welsh Water have been contacted for a comment.

  • In a seperate incident much of Broad Haven was without water on the same day due to a burst water main.
Continue Reading

Community12 hours ago

Raw sewage floods school playground hours after major development plans lodged

A MAJOR sewage flood at Broad Haven School has sparked outrage in the village, coming just hours after a planning...

Community1 day ago

Crowds pack Cardigan for Barley Saturday celebrations

CARDIGAN was packed on Saturday (Apr 26) as people gathered for the town’s traditional Barley Saturday festivities. The popular event,...

News1 day ago

Major emergency response at Goodwick seafront

A CRITICAL medical incident at Goodwick seafront prompted a major emergency response on Friday (April 25). The alarm was raised...

Community2 days ago

Trefin to host VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations

TREFIN and surrounding communities will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full day of commemorative events on...

Community2 days ago

Paul Davies joins growing backlash over £40m Newgale road scheme

Senedd Member backs STUN’s £500k alternative to protect coast without harming village SENEDD Member Paul Davies has joined growing opposition...

News2 days ago

Joint exercise rolls into back-to-back shouts for Fishguard RNLI volunteers

A ROUTINE training night for volunteers quickly took a turn which saw them participate in two service launches before going...

Entertainment3 days ago

Biggest feature film shot entirely in Wales released today

HAVOC, the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, premieres today (Friday, April 25) on Netflix. Backed by Welsh...

News3 days ago

Social care crisis reveals urgent need for funding reform

INCREASING demand, flatlining budgets, and systemic neglect are pushing adult social care to the brink—especially in rural areas like Pembrokeshire....

Crime4 days ago

Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy

Judge condemns ‘flagrant disregard’ for safety as four families left devastated by tour leader’s fatal failings THE OWNER of a...

Crime4 days ago

Drugs, deaths and drones: Damning report highlights crisis at Parc Prison

NEARLY 900 DRUG FINDS, 17 DEATHS IN A YEAR, AND INMATES LOCKED UP FOR 21 HOURS A DAY A DAMNING...

Popular This Week