Environment Agency tells Walleys Quarry it must close
The EA has issued a closure notice this afternoon
Last updated 28th Nov 2024
A controversial Staffordshire landfill has been told it must close.
The Environment Agency has issued a Closure Notice to Walleys Quarry Ltd requiring the closure of its Newcastle-under-Lyme landfill site.
The EA say the notice has been issued after exhausting other enforcement options and sets out that the company must stop accepting new waste and take effective measures to prevent landfill gas emissions from affecting the local community.
It will start the process of permanently closing the Newcastle-under-Lyme site.
“We have given Walleys Quarry Ltd sufficient time to put in place effective measures to manage emissions and it has failed to do so.”
Ian Jones, Environment Agency West Midlands Area Director, said:
“We have every sympathy with the local community and have worked tirelessly to resolve the problem of landfill gas emissions from the site.
“In doing so, we have taken a robust approach to regulating Walleys Quarry Ltd. Our aim has always been to bring the operator into compliance with its permit and the decision to issue a Closure Notice is not one we take lightly.
“We have given Walleys Quarry Ltd sufficient time to put in place effective measures to manage emissions and it has failed to do so.”
"Move brings optimism to residents"
In a statement Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Residents have been affected by the terrible odours from this site for too many years, while we have urged both the Government and the regulator to take effective action to resolve the problem permanently.
“The recently published Community Impact Study makes clear the depth of concern there is in the community about the long-term effects of emissions from this site.
“This move brings optimism to residents and, like them, we hope that this is the beginning of the end. We will be watching the situation closely.”
Complaints "soar this year"
“Complaints to the council about the foul gas odours have soared this year, already more than double the whole of 2023, and I hope that this action by the EA is the first step to a permanent solution for our residents.
“I would encourage residents to carry on reporting the foul smells every time they happen to both the council and the EA.”
We've asked the operator for a statement.