Landfill does not meet deadline to stop odors

The suspension of operations at a landfill has been extended after it failed to address “odour emissions” linked to health concerns.

Fleetwood residents have complained that the Jameson Road site has been smelling like rotten eggs since February and is making them sick.

The Environment Agency (EA) said an inspection earlier this week found Transwaste, which manages the site, had not done enough to eliminate the problem.

Transwaste said it installed a liner and closed the area as agreed.

The EA said its priority was to “minimise off-site odour issues” and that it would “continue to monitor progress”.

She added: “Following an inspection of the site, we have not lifted the suspension notice.

“While much of the work required to cover the problem area of ​​the site has been carried out, we need assurance that it is being carried out to the expected standard.”

Wyre Council, which owns the site, has received more than 800 complaints about the stench.

He previously said: “The council is aware of the odour coming from the Jameson Road landfill in Fleetwood and fully understands the seriousness of the problem for all concerned.

“We continue to work as part of a multi-agency response to resolve the issue.”

Tranwaste took over the landfill from former operator Suez last year, although concerns were raised that the landfill was full and no longer profitable.

Following concerns over the smell, which is believed to be hydrogen sulphide, campaigners have called for the site to be permanently closed.

Members of the Action against Jameson Road group, which is campaigning against gas smells from the Fleetwood landfill site, said some people had experienced nosebleeds and breathing problems.

After Transwaste failed to meet a May 15 deadline to plug the cell linked to the problematic odor, the EA served it with a regulatory order on May 24 to stop accepting new shipments of waste and ordered it to fix the problem by a July 9 deadline.

“A serious problem”

Barbara Kneale, a resident who campaigned against the smell, said: “I think it’s the right decision for the Environment Agency not to lift the suspension.

“Personally I think the site should not have been reopened by Transwaste in the first place, but it is encouraging that EA recognises the seriousness of the problem for local people.”

A spokesperson for Transwaste said: “The installation of the cladding is now complete and the area (26,000m2) is capped as agreed.

“The Environment Agency is currently studying the validation report and we await its approval.”

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