“Engineering constraints” blamed for Hafod landfill stench

An ‘improvement’ has been noted after yet more smell issues have been present at Hafod landfill site.

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 following discussions with Wrexham Council Public Protection officers, Highway officers met with Natural Resource Wales.

Cllr Bithell relayed, “In relation to Odour matters they confirm that we have viewed the currently worked cell and viewed that membranes have now been installed to prevent excess odour escaping. We understand that the odour issues experienced over Autumn and Winter are due to not capping the waste due to engineering constraints.

“We noticed that odour experienced on site was limited to freshly deposited waste. Officers have also been present in Johnstown on a few occasions over the past two weeks and have noted an improvement.

“In relation to the mud on road deposits the operator in ensuring good practice is followed and has provided the operator with contact details of nearby suppliers that may assist in the event of future breakdowns.

“In addition, we asked for visual inspection of the road to be undertaken on a daily basis to ensure a prompt response and a record be kept to ensure compliance.

“I am meeting with Ken Skates with the operator in the near future- in the meantime please contact NRW if you have any issues or complaints from the site”

Cllr Bithell encourages anyone with any issues to call the NRW incident centre – open 24 hours – on 03000 65 3000.