Community

Withyhedge Landfill awaits final approval amid ongoing odour concerns

Published

3 months ago

September 4, 2024

THE Withyhedge Landfill in Pembrokeshire remains a focal point of public and regulatory scrutiny as the site operator, Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), awaits final approval from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to begin using a newly constructed waste cell. This development comes amidst ongoing concerns from local residents regarding the persistent and unpleasant odours that have plagued the surrounding communities for years.

NRW is currently reviewing a critical Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) validation report submitted by RML. This report is essential for confirming that Cell 9A, a newly engineered sub-cell within the larger Cell 9, has been constructed to the necessary standards to prevent environmental contamination. According to NRW, no waste can be deposited in Cell 9A until the review is complete, and they are satisfied that the cell’s construction adheres to the approved specifications.

The landfill site has been under increased regulatory oversight due to widespread complaints about odours that many residents say have significantly impacted their quality of life. In December 2023, NRW issued an enforcement notice requiring the operator to cover all exposed waste to mitigate odour emissions. Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with NRW confirming that the primary source of the odours is likely landfill gas escaping from decomposing waste in older cells.

In response to public outcry, NRW has not only intensified its onsite presence but has also demanded updated operational procedures from RML. These procedures are aimed at better managing landfill gas and preventing further odour issues as the landfill continues its operations.

Caroline Drayton, Operations Manager for South West NRW, acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating, “We understand the unease about Withyhedge Landfill potentially accepting waste again. We want to assure the public that we are rigorously assessing the construction quality of the new cell and ensuring that the operator implements necessary improvements to minimise future emissions and off-site odours.”

The review process for the CQA report is expected to take several weeks. During this time, NRW will maintain a heightened regulatory presence at the site, ensuring that RML follows through on its commitments to improve gas management systems. The outcome of these assessments will determine when, or if, the new cell can begin accepting waste.

Residents continue to press for more stringent enforcement, arguing that past measures have been insufficient to protect their health and the environment. As investigations into the site continue, it remains to be seen whether further regulatory actions will be necessary to address the ongoing issues at Withyhedge Landfill.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

57 mins ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.