A proposed new facility may be built in an ‘environmentally sensitive’ location, a consultation report reveals
THE expansion of a recycling centre in Barry has raised ‘significant concerns’ that it could contaminate surrounding land and water.
The proposed Resource Recovery Facility at Atlantic Trading Estate would expand the existing Public Recycling Centre and process over 45,000 tonnes of waste every year.
It will help Vale of Glamorgan Council meet statutory requirements to recycle 70% of household waste by 2025.
However, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) raised concerned about possible land contamination.
“We have significant concerns with the proposed development as submitted,” a NRW consultation report states.
“The proposed development site is in an environmentally sensitive location as it overlies a principal bedrock aquifer.
“In view of the information provided to date, we do not yet understand the potential risks to controlled waters from historical land uses.”
It is the presence of the underground waterway which poses a significant risk for contamination.
The Resource Recovery Facility has been designed to process a variety of recyclable materials such as glass, plastic and cans, garden waste and food waste.
The facility will not process hazardous waste of any kind but it will require an Environment Permit to operate.
The proposed site comprises of 3.4 acres of land adjacent to the existing Public Recycling Facility and includes a weighbridge and electrical substation.
Access to the new facility will be provided from existing link roads.
The nearest residential properties are 120 metres to the north, at Bendrick Road.
As part of the planning process, Natural Resources Wales has outlined several conditions they want attached to planning permission.
Vale of Glamorgan Council will be required to carry out a preliminary risk assessment.
Along with other measures, this will determine the environmental impact of the site.
Natural Resources Wales hopes this will identify potential contaminants and any ‘potentially unacceptable risks’ arising from contamination at the site.
The council will also carry out a full investigation and detailed verification plan to fully assess any risks posed by development.
However, local planning officials remain concerned about nearby residential properties.
“These sites could be adversely affected in terms of loss of residential amenity,” said Barry Town Council Planning Officer, David Watkins.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council did not provide a comment at time of publication.
