Statement on ‘stink’
THE Environment Agency has issued a statement regarding the ‘horrific stench’ from a landfill site next to a section of the M66.
The watchdog of firm operators say they are working closely with the operators of the site causing the smell to improve the situation. The Pilsworth South landfill site, located next to the motorway between Bury and Heywood, has been emitting an ‘awful’ smell for months, leading residents to seal up windows and vents.
A petition calling for an intense investigation into the site has gathered almost 4,000 signatures and prompted a visit from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who admitted it ‘took me aback.’ The Environment Agency says it is monitoring Valencia Waste Ltd, the operator of the site, and has increased regulatory inspections.
Since their intervention, 90,000 square metres of previously exposed waste has been covered to prevent odours from escaping. After a meeting with Valencia, it was agreed that the site would stop accepting waste from 26 February 2024, except for materials used for capping, while further engineering works are carried out to reduce odour emissions.
In a progress update letter on March 20, Valencia says full-depth gas collection wells have been connected to existing site infrastructure to extract landfill gas from the newly temporarily capped area. It is expected there will be some remedial patch-up work and snagging over the coming week.
Valencia warned that whilst these works are being carried out there is the potential for ‘temporary localised odour’ but insists it is working hard to ‘complete these engineering works and resolve any odour issues.’ An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our officers continue to attend the Pilsworth site, increasing our regulatory inspections and working closely with partners to improve the situation for local communities.” Since our intervention 90,000 square metres of previously exposed waste has been covered, as well as 80% of the operational area, to prevent odours escaping from the site.”
“Members of the public can continue to report odour to our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”