Chief Executive
Natural Resources Wales
Ty Cambria
29 Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0TP
18 July 2017
Dear Dr Emyr Roberts
I am writing as the Member of Parliament for the Vale of Glamorgan, regarding the planned incinerator which is currently under construction on Barry's waterfront.
As you will be aware, Biomass 2 have regrettably been granted planning permission by the Welsh Government to install an incinerator, however Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as of the date of this letter, are yet to accept or reject the application for a license.
Please would you be so kind as to inform me of an expected date for this decision. It would also be very enlightening if you were able to clarify NRW's current position in the decision making process.
I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce my objection to the granting of the license in question. Since the very first application for an incinerator on Barry's waterfront, I have unequivocally objected and continue to do so. I have joined with residents to fight against the installation of an incinerator, and shared in their utter despair when the Welsh Government granted the requisite planning permission. I now appeal to you at NRW to strongly consider the objections submitted, when considering the granting of the license.
Please see below the main points which I ask that you consider during the current decision making process:
- The as of yet undetermined levels of noise pollution that will be generated by the incinerator and the surrounding plant while in operation.
- The conflicting claims of exactly how much wood Biomass intend to burn.
- The current ‘Additional Risk Assessment’ remains unsatisfactory.
- Lack of certainty on whether Biomass 2 will be using the best available techniques for efficiency and minimizing pollution in the construction of their incinerator.
- Lack of certainty regarding the efficiency of the use of the heat energy generated from the plant. Clarification required as to whether the energy generated will in practice be used or wasted, is this is to be treated as an energy generation facility.
- Assurance is required that Biomass 2 are using the legally required guidelines in the fire risk prevention and mitigation planning.
- A further review is required on the risk to the town’s schools, nurseries, playgrounds, shops and leisure facilities. The residents and I believe that the attention given thus far to the risk of these key elements of our community, has been wholly unsatisfactory
These concerns will not only impact on the lives of residents of Dock View Road, but also the wider surrounding area.
May I kindly ask that you treat this enquiry with the urgency which it requires.
Yours Sincerely
Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP
Vale of Glamorgan