Transwaste disagrees with the statutory process followed, noting that the notice was issued less than 24 hours after the inspection and before the formal Compliance Assessment Report had been provided. The absence of this report limited its ability to respond or provide clarification before enforcement action was taken.
Transwaste would like to reassure local residents that these areas have had the required level of soil cover in place. However, this cover can naturally degrade over time due to wind and rain action and needs to be refreshed periodically unless permanent capping has been completed. Our proposal to start permanent capping work is still awaiting approval from the Environment Agency.
Well before the inspection, Transwaste had already begun planned work to renew cover as part of a wider programme preparing the area for permanent capping. This work was communicated to the Community Liaison Group in the CLG update two weeks ago.
Cover replacement requires the temporary removal of landfill gas well connection pipes whilst soil is placed. To reduce the risk of odour, Transwaste planned this work carefully in small stages, allowing most gas extraction to remain in place throughout the works. This phased approach was designed specifically to minimise disruption and environmental impact (e.g. odour).
Transwaste has highlighted concerns that the timescales set out in the Enforcement Notice would not allow a phased approach and would require more gas wells to be switched off at the same time, which could increase the risk of odour during the works. The company has raised this concern with the Environment Agency.
Whilst we understand the Environment Agency’s desire to complete the work quickly, our focus has been on completing it safely and with minimal environmental impact.
Transwaste remains committed to working responsibly, complying with regulatory requirements, and minimising impacts on the local community whilst these matters are resolved.
