A proposed energy from
waste facility in Cardiff will have to operate
to the highest environmental standards after
being granted a strict environmental permit
by Environment Agency Wales.
Environment Agency Wales
reached its final decision following a rigorous
18-month investigation and consultation
into Viridor’s proposed facility in Trident
Park, Ocean Way, Cardiff, and the impact
it would have on local people and the environment.
As part of its investigation,
the Agency sought specialist health advice
from the Local Health Board who are informed
by Public Health Wales and the Health Protection
Agency.
These organisations
advised the Agency that the proposed facility
at Trident Park will not pose a significant
risk to the heath of local residents or
to the environment.
This is based on their
understanding of the most up-to-date scientific
research into the health effects of modern
incineration plants.
If the facility is built,
Environment Agency Wales officers will enforce
the strict emission levels and operating
standards throughout its operation.
Graham Hillier, Environment
Agency Wales’ Area Manager for South East
Wales, said:
“If built, we will make
sure the facility does not contravene the
strict environmental standards of its permit.
If the company does not meet the high environmental
standards set by our officers, we will not
hesitate to take action against them.
“We have carried out
a rigorous investigation over the last 18
months and received specialist advice on
health related matters. We have also received
detailed information from Viridor to show
that plans are in place to operate this
facility to the highest environmental standards.
“By using the most up-to-date
scientific evidence, we are satisfied the
proposed facility at Trident Park will not
pose a significant risk to the heath of
local residents or to the environment.
“We have carefully considered
all the responses made during our consultation
and have taken all relevant views and concerns
into account. This can be seen in our final
decision document and the environmental
permit we have issued today.”
The environmental permit
relates to the impact of the facility on
the environment and on people’s health.
It does not relate to
issues such as traffic movements, visual
impact, operating hours and light pollution,
all of which are covered by the planning
permission granted by Cardiff Council on
9 June 2010.
Copies of the environmental
permit and Environment Agency Wales’s decision
document are now available.
+ More
Environment Agency conference
to address practical solutions to environmental
challenges
The Environment Agency’s
annual conference, environment10, will take
place on Wednesday 24 November at Central
Hall, Westminster, London.
It will be an opportunity
for leading figures from government, business
and the voluntary sector to come together
to consider practical ways of addressing
challenging issues such as climate change,
flood, water quality, waste and energy.
Environment Secretary
Caroline Spelman will set out the environmental
priorities of the coalition Government.
The Environment Agency Chairman Lord Smith
and Chief Executive Dr Paul Leinster will
talk about how the Agency will be helping
Government take these forward and will provide
an update on the environmental performance
of business.
The Environment Agency’s
inaugural Environmental Pioneer Awards will
be presented by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne
in the evening.
Other speakers include
the Bishop of Liverpool the Right Reverend
James Jones and Head of the USA Environmental
Protection Agency Lisa Jackson, who will
deliver a video message.
The conference will
address:
State of the environment
in England and Wales: Using our knowledge
and evidence to highlight the key challenges
around water, waste, flood, pollution and
biodiversity.
Achieving a low carbon
society: Tackling the major causes of emissions,
particularly energy generation and use.
This session will include discussion on
issues such as energy efficiency, CRC, renewable
energy, nuclear, coal, gas and carbon trading.
Adapting to a changing
climate: This will be an opportunity to
examine the actions the Environment Agency
and others should be taking now to address
the challenges of a changing climate now
and in the future.
Sharing ideas and proposing
practical solutions
The Environment Agency’s
Chief Executive Dr Paul Leinster said: “Issues
such as changes in the climate, waste, energy
production and consumption and pollution
affect our lives now and will continue to
do so in the future. This event brings together
experts from different sectors to share
ideas and propose practical solutions to
the important challenges that face us all.
“It’s a key opportunity
to share ideas with leading figures from
the UK and abroad on how to continue protecting
and improving the environment.”
More information
Media enquiries: Call the National Media
Team on 020 7863 8710 or send an email.
Outside normal office hours, please contact
the National Duty Press Officer on 07798
882 092.
For more information
about the conference including the full
agenda and details of how to register or
to take part in online discussion visit
the environment10 page on our media centre.
Follow discussion on Twitter using #environment10.
