Hazardous waste incinerator minded for approval

The Environment Agency (EA) has announced its intention to approve a permit for a hazardous waste incinerator plant which attracted thousands of objections.

The structure on Heighington Lane in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has already been built by Fornax North East but requires additional building work and an environmental permit from the EA.

The EA said after exploring the issues and concerns raised, it could not find any reason to refuse the application but was yet to make a final decision.

Fornax welcomed the announcement and said it expected a final decision to be made early next year.

Area Environment Manager for the EA, Gary Wallace, said the organisation recognised the local interest in this facility and had "carefully considered all the information and consultation comments".

"We will only grant the permit if we are satisfied the application meets all legal requirements and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health," he said.

A second period of consultation is now open until 1 December to allow residents time to comment on the draft decision.

Fornax CEO Ian Jones said: "We welcome the initial announcement from the Environment Agency that it's minded to grant a permit to operate.

"We must now allow the natural permitting process to run its course before a final decision is taken."

Newton Aycliffe Labour MP Alan Strickland said he was "disappointed" by the EA's announcement and urged locals to submit responses to the consultation.

Resident opposition group STOP Heighington Lane Incinerator said they were calling on local MPs and PM Andy Burnham "to intervene" in the proposal.

A spokesperson said: "Thousands of residents across Newton Aycliffe and surrounding villages oppose this development.

"We demand an extended consultation, disclosure of relevant evidence and sufficient time for independent expert review."

Independent councillor Gerald Lee said while he was impressed with the design of the facility, he remained "concerned" about the proposal to wait two full years before carrying out soil sampling once the plant became operational.

"Across Heighington Parish there is genuine fear, particularly among young parents, about the potential build‑up of dangerous particles in the soil," he said.

Fornax previously said all waste would be brought on to the site in sealed airtight containers, while emissions from the plant would be closely monitored.

About 70% of the waste treated in the plant would be clinical waste from across the North East and North Yorkshire. The remaining 30% would be classed as hazardous waste.

Fornax said clinical waste would include used needles and blades, scrubs and surgical materials from clinical theatres.

Hazardous waste would comprise waste medicines, pharmaceutical waste and packaging, along with some plastics from discarded electricals, paints and DIY chemicals, cleaning products from industrial settings and agricultural chemicals.

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