How to contribute to the Rivenhall Incinerator Consultation
Did you know about the plans for a new waste incinerator at Rivenhall?
Gent Fairhead & Co. Ltd have made a request to the council for an Environmental Permit for the proposed Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF).
The proposal is for a facility comprising an Anaerobic Digestion plant, a Materials Recovery facility, a Mechanical Biological Treatment facility, an Energy from Waste (incineration) plant together with a de-inking and paper pulping facility. The Energy from Waste plant is proposed to burn up to 595,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste per year.
What are the local concerns?
- There are concerns that the incinerator will contribute to air pollution - the previous application was rejected and the new application has increased the height of the chimney stack to 55m.
- There are some concerns about the impact to the River Blackwater. Although no emmissions will be discharged into the river, water will be extracted from the river to use in the processing.
- There are concerns about the general impact to the area in terms of general traffic, heavy vehicles and other impacts of access to the plant.
- Although burning waste to general energy uses waste product rather than putting it into landfill, it is not a green technology, and contributes to pollution of the atmosphere and the generation of greenhouse gases.
What are the local benefits?
- The plant will generate local employment opportunities.
- There is a need to improve waste management in Essex as current facilities are not meeting our needs - however, more recycling facilities would result in less waste that needs to be disposed of.
- The facility will include processes to reclaim some materials that can be recycled - including a paper de-inking and pulping facility.
- The Woodhouse Farm would be preserved and transformed into a visitor centre.
How can I have my say on this?
There is an ongoing public consultation being run by the environment agency and by the County Council.
A good way to have your say is to provide your feedback online:
Environment Agency Consultation
https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/co5-9df-gent-fairhead-and-co-limited-fp3335yua001
Essex County Council Consulation
Braintree and Witham Lib Dems would also like to hear your views on this issue. Please email us on info@braintreeandwithamlibdems.org.uk.
The consultation finishes on 13th April so please send in your thoughts as soon as possible!