‘We have no idea what we are breathing in’
HOMES BLIGHTED BY DUST, NOISE AND SMELLS FROM NEARBY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
HEALTH concerns have been raised over “horrific smells” and “thick brown dust” which descends on homes from a nearby industrial estate.
People living in Trowell, as well as Stapleford and Hallam Fields in Derbyshire, say the area has been blighted by smells which “make your eyes water”, dust and pollution since 1994.
However, with the pandemic forcing more people to work and stay at home, they say the prevalent issues have led to them sending more than 100 complaints to the Environment Agency.
The smells and pollution, they claim, come from the Quarry Hill Industrial Estate and pictures have been sent to the Environment Agency in a bid to prove it.
Amy Potts Padgett, who has two children aged 11 and 15, told the Post she fears for their health and wellbeing.
“It is an ongoing battle,” she said. “I started a group back in 2017. We have no idea what we are breathing in. Through the summer it is horrific. It is a chemical smell. But our complaints fall on deaf ears.
“We are really concerned what is in the smoke. The dust and the sounds are ridiculous and the businesses operate all through the night. There is little regard for people’s lives.
“It looks like it has snowed. We are never quite sure what is coming and from where. I lost my mum to cancer and I am worried for my children.”
Jeff Parker, who lives in nearby Hallam Fields, sent a number of videos to the Post of the noise which comes from the industrial estate during day and night.
Beverley Brealey, who lives in Hallam Fields, added: “We have to endure explosions from Ward Recycling which shake the foundations of our houses.”
Donald Ward Limited, a recycling company which trades as Ward, has responded to the concerns raised.
The company, which set up its Ilkeston-based facility in 2002 before a second site was established in 2012, said it has been working with the relevant authorities.
In a statement, Donald Ward, operations director, said: “To mitigate any conditions which have potential to adversely affect the local community or the environment, such as dust or noise, we have invested significantly in our sites to make them among the most technologically advanced metal and waste processing facilities in the UK.
“Mitigation measures include purpose-built acoustic buildings for the suppression of sound, the latest processing technology with built in suppression equipment exceeding all EU standards as well as implementing dust attenuation systems.
“We do not process waste which can cause odours. We handle mainly metals and construction demolition waste, including wood, plastic, cardboard and aggregates. Each of our sites have varying permitted operating hours, depending on the type of materials processed and licences granted. We were recently audited for our ISO4001 Environmental and Quality management systems and we meet all the standards, which are rolled out throughout the business.
“In the past 12 months we have undergone numerous audits by regulatory bodies and consistently found to be fully compliant with all obligations.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We recognise and understand concerns raised about the industrial estate in Ilkeston and take all complaints very seriously.
“We regulate 10 sites on the estate and plan to carry out further noise and odour monitoring next month. A dust issue has been traced to one of the regulated sites and the operator has taken immediate measures to carry out metal cutting within its building.
“Local people can report environmental issues to our 24-hour hotline 0800 807060.”
A Broxtowe Borough Council spokeswoman added: “The council is aware of the concerns raised by local residents and is actively working with the Environment Agency to improve the situation.”