Smell police move in on tip stench

Spot checks by a team of environmental sleuths are being carried out at a controversial tip.

Noxious smells from the landfill at High Moor have seeped into homes and businesses, leading to complaints from furious locals and an apology from tip operators Veolia Environmental Services.

But two members of the Environment Agency’s (EA) pollution team moved into a cottage to monitor the site at Scouthead.

Bill Darbyshire, environment manager for Greater Manchester, said: “This is an example of how seriously we take the concerns of residents.

“We have made a commitment to them and this is just one of the ways that we are continuing to monitor the effects of High Moor landfill.”

And he promised the the investigation is the first of several weekend visits.

He said: “It is really important we are alongside the community, living with them, when these odours occur, so we have a better understanding of their problems.”

Mr Darbyshire has met new Veolia directors Tom Spall and Gavin Graveson, who will have to submit a report to the EA.

He said: “Although improvements had been made, the level of complaints regarding odour from the site, and the time we are spending regulating the site is unacceptable. Further improvements must be made.”

In an EA bulletin, Mr Darbyshire expressed disappointment in the continued lack of communication from Veolia to residents, especially as a detailed communications plan had been drawn up in the summer.

The directors have pledged to improve communication with residents in the New Year.

Hydrogen sulphide analysers are being installed, taking spot readings every five minutes.

The bulletin said recent cold temperatures and lack of wind have meant landfill gas was more noticeable than usual.

They had receiving several complaints a day from some residents.

But locals argue, despite the new monitoring, their lifestyles will not improve until the stench is eliminated.

“They can throw as much investment as they like at the tip,” said one. “But we still have to put up with these vile smells. Nothing has changed.

“And the companies operating the landfill and gas extraction are making money out of it.”

Local councillor Derek Heffernan, an ardent anti-tip campaigner, welcomed the appointment of Veolia’s new directors, and said: “I am delighted an EA team has based themselves here.

“Hopefully this initiative can be continued on a more permanent basis. It will be interesting to know their findings.”

Veolia will be operating the site on Thursday’s bank holiday as usual and Infinis, the gas extraction company, will be on site every day.

The normal out-of-hours number — 01457 879999 — should be used on public holidays to report an issue with the site.