MP calls for Waste Management Controls
MP calls for Waste Management Controls
5th August 2008
As we strive to achieve more environmentally friendly waste management it is inevitable that recycling will play a major part. In particular the recycling of green waste will require sites to be established to deal effectively with the waste.
In answer to the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham Strategic Development Plan Michael Clapham MP for Barnsley West & Penistone has submitted "that more needs to be done in considering appropriate locations for waste recycling sites. I believe there are a number of matters that require consideration. For example, there is the run off of water which can create problems for local flora and fauna and also add to the odour of the sites. It is essential that advice from Natural England is obtained before the go ahead is given for any site. Moreover, the Environmental Impact Study should be available for the community to view.
"Secondly, the issue of bio-aerosols should be thoroughly considered and an appropriate buffer zone between the site and the nearest residences established. The buffer zone is essential for public safety. At the end of the zone the upwind bio-aerosol reading should equal that downwind of the site. This is a controversy. The Environment Agency currently recommends 250 metres but at the same time admits on its website that there is some uncertainty. Therefore, this needs to be clarified and in my view the buffer zone should be at least 500 metres.
"The most up to date study was carried out in November 2005 by Giessen University Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine on the effects of bio-aerosol polluted outdoor air on the airways of residents.
"A team of Doctors, Process Engineers, Micro-Biologists and Meteorologists were teamed together to conduct the investigation. The study was double blinded to the ongoing microbial. A total of 356 questionnaires were collected from residents near the greenways composting site and also from an unexposed residential control area. The prevalence of health complaints were assessed against the distance from the site and the recorded microbiological pollution levels. The site was a windrow composting site.
"The study concluded that there was clear evidence of increased health changes with residents living up to 500 metres from the greenways site. The study is the first comprehensive one to actively show the causal link between levels of bio-aerosols and health conditions. In effect, the study recommended that the distance of any buffer zone between a green composting site and residential dwellings should be 500 metres.
"Thirdly, precautions should be taken to ensure that the nuisance caused by odour is mitigated to within acceptable levels. Some sites such as that at Stourbridge have indicated that odour levels can reach such intensity as to make nearby residents ill.
"Fourthly, the advice of the Health & Safety Executive should be sought with regards to protecting the health of employees working on the site and it is my view that they should also advise on the best appropriate form of composting process. I believe that in certain circumstances, particularly in built up areas, the windrow process is inappropriate and an alternative closed system such as the in-vessel composting should be used. This is a system that is particularly appropriate where food is being composted.
"Finally, it is essential that the health of the public is protected and that an appropriate buffer zone of no less than 500 metres should be established wherever the windrow composting scheme is used. Also regular monitoring should also take place."
