Last chance to have say on the incinerator

PUBLIC consultation on a draft permit which would allow Devonport Dockyard's incinerator to be built will end this week.

People have until Friday, February 3, to make their final comments to The Environment Agency.

In December the agency completed its 'technical determination' of MVV Environment Devonport Ltd's application for an incinerator at North Yard and concluded it was minded to issue a permit to the operator.

This meant the Agency was satisfied the conditions within the permit would provide a high level of protection to human health and the environment, should the facility start to operate.

The Agency has been running consultation since December 19 when they issued the draft documents. It went beyond the statutory 20 working days because of the disruption caused by Christmas holidays.

Chris James for the Environment Agency, said: "We are asking people to let us know if there is anything in the draft decision documents which they believe is inaccurate or missing or if they have any new information which has been missed. They have until Friday to submit their comments. We understand that there is strong opposition from some members of the public to the incinerator but the Environment Agency cannot make it's decision based on objections alone or comments made in relation to the planning application."

The decision to approve the plant was made by councillors on December 22.

Tom Taylor of Plymouth action group Incineration is Wrong who have protested against the plant, urged people to pass on their concerns to the Environment Agency.

He said the group's 'fight was not up' and they would still 'push ahead' against the controversial plans.

"If anyone knows anything about this subject which might make a difference they should voice that the Environment Agency," he said.

"We knew it would be difficult with the Environment Agency as they have never rejected one of these permits. The Health Protection Agency is still looking at on-going research into the long-term health impact of incinerators. If they are safe why are they still doing that?"

"The level of research about the impact of incinerators is limited and we would urge people to continue expressing their concerns to the Environment Agency."

People can write to The Environment Agency, Permitting Support Centre, Environment Permit Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF or by email to psc@environment-agency.gov.uk and quoting the reference number EPR/WP3833FT.

The draft permit and draft decision document can be viewed on the Environment Agency website at http://bit.ly/t6qeav. Or on the public registers at: Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth.

The Environment Agency held a public surgery on January 16 to help people respond to the consultation. If anyone was unable to attend but needs help responding to the consultation response forms, guidance documents are available from the Environment Agency's on their website or by emailing swefw.enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or calling 03708 506 506.