I AM writing concerning the planned construction of a Waste to Energy plant (incinerator) at Northacre trading estate, Westbury.
This plant will use a gasification incineration process, which will produce emissions of harmful gases and poisonous particulates coming out of the chimney into the air. The siting of the plant on the edge of Westbury is close to and upwind of large residential areas as well as being adjacent to food manufacturing factories.
The same type of incinerator planned for Swindon was refused permission by Swindon Council last month due to planning and environmental concerns.
On August 7 this year an explosion at an identical plant in Oldbury in the Midlands killed one employee and injured two. The HSE states that the waste and recycling sector is one of the most dangerous, with the greatest number of accidents recorded, having doubled in the last year. Yet, as stated, this plant will be only a short distance from residents’ homes.
The waste for incineration in this plant will come from the whole of Wiltshire. The plant will be operating non-stop 24 hours/day, 7 days a week, adding to emissions in Westbury, which are already above permissible levels. The siting of Westbury town below the edge of Salisbury plain means that air pollution is not being dispersed into the wider area, but settles over the town.
Why is the county’s waste pollution burden being placed solely on us?
The Wiltshire Waste Strategy Consultation deadline is November 14. This is a very short time frame for something that will have a severe impact on the residents of Westbury for many years. I feel very strongly that we should be offered public meeting with some expert presentations to get better informed.
Mrs N. Evans
Westbury
nadiaevans@uwclub.net
01373 228629