Current Issues
Minutes:
Verbal updates were provided on the following issues:-
Flies
- Weekly work took place on tracking fly numbers to ascertain if there was any significant increase/comparison with previous years
- A low level of complaints had been received in the early part of the year – 3 in April and 5 in the early part of May – but following a social media campaign during 26th May and 6th June 73 complaints were received. However, a lot of those complaints were received from locations 2-3 kms away from the plant and areas that would not receive complaints from normally
- Levels had reduced since with 10 complaints received last week when the weather had been particularly hot. An analysis had been undertaken to gain an understanding of the issues and some actions put in place. These included:-
· Significant reduction in the volume of third party waste accepted at site.
· Barnsley transfer station was being used as a buffer to reduce the peaks on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the 2 busiest days. This was having an improved level of control and also allowed clearing of the reception pits entirely of waste more frequently (3-4 times a week)
· The shredder pit was also cleared before any new waste was shredded.
- Pesticide treatments had been maintained and the plant worked closely with its pesticide contractor.
Noise
- There were no significant issues since the rectification works carried out 3 years ago
Odour
- Replacement of the biofilter with compost oversize had improved the situation significantly
- Biofilter 2 would be replaced with the same media in the not too distant future
- The Environment Agency monitored the situation
- 5 complaints had been received but since the bio filter works were completed in January, 2020, the levels had decreased
Visits
- Due to the Covid-19 situation, the community educational liaison activities were being carried out as far as possible via social media
- The funding opportunities were still available with an award recently having been made
- Risk assessments were being carried out to determine what activity could be carried out
Resolved:- That the updates be noted.