“Constructive” meeting over odour complaints at Hafod landfill

Hafod site operators Enovert have said “we take concerns on board” after further representations over bad smells were been made.

The area has been plagued with a hydrogen sulfide style smell – or rotten / off eggs odour – over recent weeks, and the issue itself dates back years.

Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council, and local councillors, Cllr David A Bithell has shared an update on the situation, saying he has recently met waste a management bosses to discuss residents’ concerns over the smells.

In an update he said, “Clwyd South Ken Skates MS and Councillor David A Bithell visited the site last week with operator Enovert’s chief executive Mark Silvester and regional manager Ian Craven.

“An enforcement notice was issued to the company in December over breaches of its environmental permit, which included odour and landfill gas management requirements. Enovert has since been working with regulator Natural Resources Wales on an agreed action plan.”

Cllr Bithell added: “The meeting was constructive in understanding the works being undertaken to reduce odour complaints. It was open and honest dialogue and we made it clear that we wanted to see improvements to address local people’s concerns.”

“The tip has been the subject of regular complaints from residents, who say foul odours and rotten egg smells are blighting the community.

The enforcement notice, issued to the company on December 21, ruled that Enovert had failed to manage levels of leachate – contaminated liquids – and both Mr Skates and Cllr Bithell said they would seek further sanctions if the situation didn’t improve for residents.

“We are grateful for the chief executive and regional manager’s time and to be given the opportunity to speak honestly with them face-to-face,” said Mr Skates.

“Enovert told us they are committed to working with NRW to improve things. This will be closely monitored and the company is acutely aware that further action could be taken.

“In turn, we were clear that we will support further sanctions if improvements are not made and that we will continue to raise residents’ concerns.”

Enovert chief executive Mark Silvester said: “Enovert were pleased to meet with both Cllr David A Bithell and Ken Skates MS to hear their concerns regarding the Hafod landfill site, and we take those concerns on board.

“The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss improvement works completed on site since the issue of the NRW notice and to explain our commitment to ensuring the Hafod site operates in compliance with its environmental permit.”

The public are encouraged to continue to report any issues to NRW on 03000 65 3000