Notice

Westmill II landfill site, Ware, Hertfordshire

Updated 11 June 2014

This notice was withdrawn on 19 April 2016

Information can now be found on Biffa’s website

Westmill II landfill site is a non-hazardous landfill site operated by Biffa. It is located next to an operating quarry, Westmill I landfill site, and a small industrial estate. It is also close to residential areas and a golf course.

It is unlikely that any landfill site can operate without any odour, however the Environment Agency is working with Biffa to make sure that any smell is minimised.

Following an increase in odour complaints from the surrounding area, Biffa has been asked to investigate and put into action a number of plans to reduce and eliminate odour from the site. Environment Agency officers attend the site on a regular basis and carry out assessments in nearby residential areas.

Latest updates

Consultation

In July 2012 Biffa Waste Management submitted an application to vary their environmental permit for the Westmill landfill site in Ware in order to construct and operate a soil recycling facility on land next to the landfill site. The facility will convert contaminated soils into cleaner, re-usable soils. Biffa will use these soils on site as restoration material on top of the landfill and to cover over waste.

The Environment Agency have to decide whether to grant a variation to their environmental permit based on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed change.

The Environment Agency are running a consultation on this.You can comment on the documents until 23 June 2014 via the consultation webpage.

You can also view copies of the documents free of charge at the following places:

Environment Agency
Apollo Court
2 Bishop Square Business Park
St Albans Road West
Hatfield
AL10 9EX

Ware Library
87 High Street Ware
SG12 9AD

East Hertfordshire Council
Hertford Office
Wallfields
Pegs Lane
Hertford
SG13 8EQ

You can write to the Environment Agency with any comments at:

PSC - EP Team
Quadrant 2
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WF

You can also email psc@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Please quote application number EPR/DP3431PC/V006 and state whether you are happy for your comments to be made public.

Landfill gas and waste odour

In October 2013, 19 new wells were successfully drilled and linked up to the gas extraction system. On Tuesday 15 October 2013, between 1pm and 4pm, Biffa had to turn off the gas system to carry out some work. During this time, Biffa sent out staff to monitor the surrounding area for odour and reported to the Environment Agency that smells were detected off site.

Landfill hot spot

A hot spot is an area of landfill that is generating excess heat. In July 2013, the work to cap the area around the hot spot at Westmill II was completed. The water injection system to cool and contain the hot spot has also been installed.

Contact

The Environment Agency has been working with Biffa and local residents to increase communication and understanding between the two parties. Regular liaison meetings are held and an email bulletin is issued to those who wish to receive it. The bulletin provides feedback on complaints received and gives advance warning of future works that may have an increased risk of disruption in the area.

If you would like to join the mailing list for the bulletin or have any questions for the team that regulate the site, please email EA.Westmill-Landfill@Environment-Agency.gov.uk.

You can also call Biffa on 01920 462163. Alternatively, call Biffa’s 24/7 freephone number 0800 298 0689 for all matters including complaints.

Please report any environmental incidents by calling our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service).