The biggest and longest study into air quality surrounding the Jameson Road land fill site has concluded that air quality is well within WHO safety standards – directly contradicting claims made by objectors that they are being poisoned.
The Environment Agency has released the findings of its latest air quality monitoring report for the Jameson Road site covering approximately 10 months, from May 2024 to March 2025, confirming that hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, methane and particulate levels are all largely insignificant and well within WHO safety standards.
The report provides reassuring news for local residents, clearly stating that no air quality thresholds for the protection of human health have been breached during the monitoring period. The monitoring programme, which began in response to odour complaints in 2024, included continuous and targeted testing for a wide range of chemical substances known to be linked to landfill activity.
Importantly, the report dismisses claims made by a minority of objectors who have suggested there is a link between the site’s operations and air quality issues.
A spokesperson for Transwaste said:
“The monitoring results show that all levels are well below WHO and UK advisory and regulatory safety levels. This clear scientific evidence counters the misleading scare stories promoted by some local activists and should offer peace of mind to the wider community.”
As part of its push for transparency and accountability, Transwaste has also commissioned an independent odour monitoring company to conduct daily testing around the site perimeter and at selected receptor locations in nearby communities. Using advanced techniques that track odour intensity, character and likely source — all GPS and time-stamped — the monitoring programme provides a robust dataset that is cross-referenced with complaint logs from local residents. This evidence-based approach allows them to track trends, identify causes of concern, and take swift, targeted action where necessary.
Beyond the engineering investment, the company is also placing strong emphasis on landscape restoration and long-term environmental care. The centrepiece of this restoration effort is the planned planting of 32,000 native trees across the site. A dedicated budget of £411,000 has been set aside for this work, which will start to roll out over the next 12 months. Species will be carefully selected to reflect the local environment, and planting locations will be mapped to optimise growth and resilience.
The company will also be launching a landfill community fund this summer. This will aim to enhance the provision of community, public, and environmental amenities in the local area. It is anticipated that this fund will equate to £200,000 per year for each that the Jameson Road site is open, with grants ranging from £10,000 to £40,000.
The spokesperson said: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously. These findings reflect the hard work of our team and our ongoing investment in technologies and processes that protect both people and the planet.”
“The Environment Agency’s monitoring will continue to ensure standards remain high, but the message is clear: there is no scientific basis for air quality-related concerns about the Jameson Road site. The community can be confident that the site is being operated responsibly and that environmental and public health are being safeguarded.”
