'Eggy pong' in rural Wiltshire town could be caused by landfill site
The operator says it's working closely with the Environment Agency
The Environment Agency has ruled what's being described as an "eggy pong" in a rural Wiltshire town - is being caused by emissions from a local landfill site.
Officials say infrastructure at the Lower Compton Landfill in in Calne - needs improvement to prevent gas emissions.
They add they will take action if they spot that the operator of the site isn't taking the right measures to minimise strong odours, which they say is often a result of local weather conditions.
Since receiving the reports over the strong smell, officers have been carrying out odour monitoring in the residential areas of Calne, and on several occasions, they have substantiated odour, likely to be landfill gas, from regulated activity in Compton Bassett.
They've also carried out surveys using equipment that can detect methane (one of the main components of landfill gas) at very low concentrations.
Point source emissions from gas and leachate infrastructure were identified, and they say the operator is now carrying out improvements.
Gas collection infrastructure has also been installed.
The Environment Agency is also keen to point out how there are multiple potential odour sources in the area.
Officials add it is likely that some of the reports of odour they have received have been from other activities, including those outside of their regulation such as land spreading.
'We continue to work closely with the Environment Agency'
In a statement, the operator of the site said: "Hills Waste Solutions’ landfill site and all other activities at our Lower Compton and Sands Farm sites are regulated, and we continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to monitor and manage the sites in accordance with their permit obligations.
"In line with these obligations, Hills has provided the Environment Agency with open access to our site, for the purposes of their surveys into potential sources of odour in the Calne area, which are affecting residents’ quality of life.
"A recent Environment Agency survey identified some emissions from our landfill site. In response to the Environment Agency survey findings, we are implementing a range of improvement works. Most of these works are completed, and we continue to implement further improvements, including landfill engineering works and installing additional landfill gas collection infrastructure.
"We acknowledge the Environment Agency observation in their briefing dated 28 April, that their surveys are: “…not conclusive evidence that the Lower Compton landfill is the sole source of odour” and that “There are multiple potential odour sources in the area. It is likely that some of the reports of odour we have received have been from other activities.”
"We have also invited members of the sites’ liaison committee, which includes community elected officials to a specially convened meeting, which will include an opportunity to visit the landfill facility."