Checks to find source of stench
ODOUR checks and gas surveys have been conducted at a West Lancashire landfill site after a “toxic” smell in the area sparked concerns for residents’ health.
Skelmersdale has been hit with an awful mystery odour in recent days with some claiming it is from Whitemoss Waste Management Facility.
Waste bosses say Cadent visited the site on Wednesday (June 29) and found no issues while further checks by West Lancashire Council’s local Environment Health team ‘found nothing linked to the landfill.’.
Rosie Cooper MP has claimed that since the expansion of the facility there has been raised concerns from those living in the area about dust clouds and a repeated “toxic” smell.
The Government made the decision to allow the expansion despite local objections and a campaign in 2015 fighting against the plans.
Those living in Skelmersdale have been part of a “horror story” according to the local MP, with new demands for an “urgent investigation” into Lancashire County Council and the Environment Agency.
Rosie Cooper MP said: “The history of Whitemoss Landfill is a horror story, with Skelmersdale residents being ignored and continually subjected to obnoxious smells together with the threat of potentially hazardous substances being released into the air. It is no wonder people are really worried about this “toxic” smell and what it might mean for their health.
“I have sought assurances from the Council and Environment Agency that these smells and any toxicity are being properly investigated. If anything is happening at the site that shouldn’t be, I want to know about it, and it needs to be stopped quickly.
“The health of Skelmersdale residents must be put before any business interests.”
A Veolia spokesperson said: “We would like to reassure the residents that since acquiring the site in 2019 we constantly monitor odour as part of our daily activities. Cadent visited the site yesterday to undertake a gas survey adjacent to the landfill but found nothing and we understand they are carrying out further investigations in the local area.
“We have also met the West Lancashire Council’s local Environment Health team on site who have been carrying out odour checks and so far have found nothing linked to the landfill.
“We will continue to monitor and will liaise with the Environment Agency who are aware of the current situation.”