FEARS WALLEYS QUARRY STINK COULD PUT STUDENTS OFF UNI
Boss writes to the EA voicing concerns
THE smell from a controversial landfill site could put off prospective students and threaten the ‘future sustainability’ of Keele University, its vice-chancellor has warned.
Professor Trevor Mcmillan has raised concerns over Walleys Quarry’s impact on the university in a formal complaint to the Environment Agency (EA) over its ‘ineffective enforcement’ at the site.
In his letter to EA chief executive Sir James Bevan, Professor Mcmillan says the smell is ‘often noticeable’ on Keele’s campus, and can sometimes be ‘extreme’, as was the case in January during a spike in hydrogen sulphide emissions. In addition to the impact on the university’s 15,000 staff and students, Professor Mcmillan says the odour problem could have ‘serious long-term ramifications’ for the university as a whole.
He has asked for reassurance that a ‘realistic and effective’ plan is in place to resolve the issue.
The letter states: “The odour causes considerable risk to the future sustainability of our university given that the odour may be experienced on our open days (when thousands of students make a decision about where to study), and also because the issue is now well-known not only locally but also nationally, receiving regular mainstream news coverage. Without a remedy, there could be serious long-term ramifications on our future success and financial sustainability.
“Moreover, as an organisation which also underpins considerable fiscal and cultural regeneration in our local area, this could have a serious and lasting impact on our local economy and society.”
The EA has been carrying out continuous air quality monitoring and enforcement action at Walleys Quarry since the start of 2021, following thousands of complaints from the public. Operator Walleys Quarry Ltd has been carrying out works such as permanent capping and improvements to gas collection as part of efforts to tackle the odour problem.
An EA spokesman has confirmed that the letter from Professor Mcmillan has been received and that a response will be provided.
The EA spokesman said: “We have every sympathy with the local community and remain determined to tackle the problems at Walleys Quarry. We continue to work with the operator and our partners to do so.
“I can confirm that Sir James Bevan received a letter from Professor Trevor Mcmillan on May 30, 2022. A response will be provided in line with our customer service commitment. We are not able to comment further on the correspondence at this time.
“We continue to require Walleys Quarry Ltd to take effective action to secure sustained reduction in emissions from its site.”
Nigel Bowen, chief executive at Walleys Quarry Ltd, has sent his own reply to Professor Mcmillan, in which he says he is ‘disappointed’ that the vice-chancellor did not seek a ‘conversation’ with the company to discuss the issue. Mr Bowen also insists that H2S emissions are ‘at a very low level’ most of the time, and that steps are being taken to reduce them further.
Mr Bowen said: “We hope that the university will consider working with us and our neighbours as we continue our progress to secure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the local area. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my invitation to come to our facility, observe our operation for yourself and discuss your concerns.”