Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched another consultation after announcing that it plans to issue an environmental permit to allow Biomass UK No 2 Ltd to operate its gasification facility in Barry.
It is the fourth public consultation undertaken by NRW on the application and will run until January 22. NRW will share details of the assessment it has made, and copies of the draft permit conditions it would enforce.
The consultation also offers local people, businesses and professional organisations an opportunity to bring forward new information and to understand how NRW came to its draft decision.
NRW says it is satisfied that appropriate measures will be in place to allow it to operate without damaging the environment or the health of local people.
Nadia De Longhi, operations manager for NRW, said there had been close scrutiny of the application and that in the event the permit is granted the company would be closely monitored.
“We know that people still have concerns about this facility and I want to reassure them that we will only grant the permit once we are sure that the applicant can meet the strict standards required.
“We have closely scrutinised the application, and where we’ve needed to, we’ve asked for more detail and clarification to help us reach this decision.
“Throughout this consultation we’ll be happy to consider any new evidence or information that is relevant to our decision. If we do go ahead and grant the permit, we will closely monitor the company’s operations to make sure it continues to meet these strict conditions for as long as it operates.”
NRW emphasised it is legally required to grant an environmental permit if a company can demonstrate that it can operate within environmental legislation.
The permit will regulate the control of emissions, handling and storage of waste, general operational management and fire risk. It does not cover issues such as the location of the plant, emissions from traffic, volume of lorries travelling to and from the site and origin of the wastes.
The Vale’s Assembly Member, Jane Hutt, who is opposing the application, said the consultation period, which spans the whole of the festive period and reaches well into the new year was welcome.
“At the DIAG meeting I chaired on November 13, attended by NRW Chair Diane McCrea, I called for an extension of the consultation period.
“I welcome this positive response, following the deeply disappointing news that NRW was minded to issue a permit for the incinerator in Barry.
“This is strongly opposed not only by the people of Barry but also statutory consultees.
“I am pleased that NRW has agreed to attend a public meeting in the new year. I once again stress my objection to Biomass No 2. There is overwhelming and mounting evidence against the granting of this permit.”
The issue will take centre stage at the next meeting of Barry & Vale Friends of the Earth on Tuesday December 5 (7.30pm in the Castle Hotel, Jewel Street, Barry).
The group says it will be working with the Docks Incinerator Action Group to encourage as many people as possible to write to First Minister, Carwyn Jones, asking him to exercise his powers by telling NRW to stop the process.
Copies of NRW’s assessment and the draft permit conditions are available electronically on its website.
They are also available to view at Barry Library, Barry Town Council or the NRW offices on Newport Road and in St Mellons.
Article originally appeared on Barry Today
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