Latest update from Nottingham Against Incineration and Landfill (NAIL) – the campaign to prevent the expansion of Nottingham’s Eastcroft incinerator.
Pollution Breaches
Following years of campaigning by NAIL, the industry regulator the Environment Agency (EA) has finally issued Waste Recycling Group (WRG) with an Enforcement Notice and yet another formal warning following the recent wave of pollution breaches. These occurred when the filter by-pass was operated on two separate occasions on April 18th, after two similar incidents in February.
The breach on April 18 meant that for 18 minutes the incinerator flue gases were released into the atmosphere completely unfiltered, spewing a cocktail of toxic poisons out into the atmosphere for the people of Nottingham to breath and absorb.
The Enforcement Notice, which is effectively a yellow card, requires WRG to undertake a comprehensive review of the maintenance programme in place for the flue gas treatment system. They need to ensure that all critical items are identified and maintained. Failure to comply with the Enforcement Notice is a criminal offence. Although this is positive action from the EA, when you consider that the incinerator has had over 60 pollution breaches in the past 4 years and WRG have received over 20 warnings, this is too little too late.
To see the EA’s Press Release click on the link below:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/2051305?lang=_e®ion=Midlands%20Region
To see the list of pollution breaches click on the link below:
http://www.nail.uk.net/Emissions.htm
Public Inquiry
WRG have denied Nottingham City Council’s request for an extension of the time allowed to consider the planning application, so the final decision will now be taken by the Planning Inspectorate at a Public Inquiry in September this year.
NAIL has applied for and been granted Rule 6 status. This means that we can take part at this inquiry by submitting evidence and cross examining witnesses.
Both WRG and the Council will be represented by barristers, however being a voluntary organisation we do not have this luxury. Our plans are to obtain enough funds to receive legal advice on preparing and presenting our legal case.
Following a fanatic donation of £2,000 from the Renewable Trust and £1000 for Ice Nine in Hockley Nottingham, we are well on our way. We will continue to raise funds to allow us to be better prepared.
