Environment Agency Minded to Grant Permit to Bio Mass Plant

The Environment Agency’s Minded to Grant Permission in its Draft Ruling

The full press release

The Environment Agency is inviting local residents and interest groups to comment for a final time on the proposals for a biomass combustion plant in Trafford.

Following a rigorous assessment process, we are minded to give approval to Peel Energy Ltd and grant an environmental permit, however there is still time for local people to submit comments or information with the Environment Agency in writing before 11 July 2012.

It is the Environment Agency’s role to regulate energy from waste sites and a draft decision to grant an environmental permit to Peel Energy will not affect the need for them to gain planning approval before construction of the proposed plant can go ahead.

The draft permit imposes strict conditions to ensure that local people and the environment are protected.  If the facility does go ahead, we will ensure that it adheres to rigorous standards and will watch closely to make sure the conditions of the permit are met.

Gordon Whitaker, Environment Manager for Greater Manchester, said: “We have carried out a thorough assessment of the application. We have consulted widely receiving comments from other organisations, including Trafford and Salford Councils, Trafford and Salford Primary Care Trusts and the Food Standards Agency. Following this assessment and comments from health experts we are confident the facility will not harm the environment or human health.

“Although we have reached the stage where we are considering issuing a permit, our decision is not final and this last stage of consultation will give everybody the chance to see what the permit may look like and to raise any additional concerns before we make a final decision.

“The draft environmental permit and decision document, which outlines how we have reached our decision is available for members of the public to view.  Any new comments should be made in writing by 11 July 2012. An information session is planned on 12 June at the Lucozade Powerleague Trafford Soccer Dome, Trafford Park, between 2-7 pm for people wanting to ask questions on the draft decision.”

I’m outraged by the lack of @TraffordCouncil‘s councillors objections made to @EnvAgencyNW. Only 6 labour and NO conservatives! #OUTRAGEOUS

— Mason Corbishley (@MasonCorbishley) May 30, 2012

a) Representations from Local MPs and Councillors

Representations were received from the following MPs:

Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston);

Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South);

Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West).

and the following Councillors:

David Acton (Trafford);

Mike Cordingley (Gorse Hill);

Joanne Harding (Urmston);

Dolores O’ Sullivan (Trafford);

Kevin Proctor (Urmston);

Tom Ross (Stretford).

Frankly I’m extremely dismayed that Conservative Councillors have failed to give voice to their opposition to this. There’s a danger that their opposition is perceived as half-hearted now the elections are out of the way. I can understand the anger of campaigners that the Conservatives have not put their backs into this. They are so noticable by their absence on this list