The Wrexham Council will debate Hafod Landfill worries on February 19, addressing residents’ health and environmental issues.
The motion states the landfill has potential dangers, including water and air pollution, as well as harm to nature. The plan supports Natural Resources Wales (NRW), who will monitor operations under 2016 regulations. These regulations align with a prior committee’s advice.
The council will conduct a health impact assessment and demand proof of proper environmental practices. They will fully examine waste management alternatives, and community communication will improve with this plan. The council commits to review and report progress.
The council aims for a transparent review and will take action if problems persist. Their goal is to protect residents’ health and the environment. NRW acknowledges public concerns about Hafod Landfill and understands the impact of smells on residents, treating the matter very seriously.
NRW has dedicated significant resources to regulating the landfill, aiming to reduce negative impacts. They will update the public on their activities. Since October 2024, NRW has inspected the site and responded to problems. A team audited landfill gas emissions; this is called the LERP team.
The landfill operator provided NRW with an action plan, outlining how they will handle audit suggestions, each with a deadline. Some actions are already complete, like drilling and installing seven gas wells. Other work, such as temporary capping, depends on the weather and is due by the end of February 2025. NRW is working closely with Enovert to ensure actions are completed effectively and fast.
Following a meeting, air quality monitoring was discussed, including partners and site operators. They agreed on a good option and have begun purchasing it. NRW has stated that Hafod Landfill has a permit defining types and amounts of waste. Regulations do not allow location restrictions on the waste.
NRW only revokes permits for serious risks to health or the environment, when all other solutions have failed. The operators are currently working on solutions, and NRW closely regulates them. Closing the site would not immediately stop odors, as leachate and gas would still require management, which reduces potential odor offsite.
Enovert CEO Mark Silvester stated that Enovert communicates with NRW, addressing community odor complaints at the Hafod site. They are installing more gas extraction infrastructure following the NRW action plan, as quickly as possible. Enovert responded to NRW’s recent LERP audit, affirming actions and agreed timelines. Enovert also promised more air quality monitoring, in conjunction with NRW and Wrexham Public Protection.