Monthly updates and more out of hours off-site odour surveys promises landfill operator

Landfill site operators have said they will “increase the frequency of out of hours off-site odour surveys” after a recent increase in stench.

The area around the Hafod Landfill site, in Johnstown, has been plagued with a hydrogen sulfide style smell – or rotten / off eggs odour with the issue itself dating back years.

Local councillor, Cllr David A Bithell, shared an update he received from Enovert the site operator following his representations over the last few weeks to Natural Resource Wales over complaints arising from the site.

He said, “Natural Resources Wales are the Regulatory Body for Landfill sites in Wales and all complaints need to be sent to them, the contact number is 03000 65 3000, please continue to do this so all complaints are recorded. NRW visited the area on Sunday 11th August and undertook a site inspection on Monday 12th August. Their investigations are continuing and I have asked to be kept updated.

“A statutory enforcement notice was issued was issued in December 2023 following breaches to their permit conditions. I have submitted a topic request to the homes and enviroment committee to debate the Landfill site given the concerns of the community, they are considering this request in the October meeting. I feel that NRW and the site operator need to be accountable and recognise the significant impact this has on Johnstown and the surrounding communities.”

The update shared is below:

A significant number of complaints have been received by Natural Resources Wales on 11th August 2024, relating to odours reported as being attributable to the site. Enovert are conducting on site investigations to determine if anything on site may have caused such an increase in odours and findings will be provided to NRW.

To gain an improved understanding of complaint patterns, Enovert will increase the frequency of out of hours off-site odour surveys, which will be undertaken at specific locations around the perimeter of the site. It is also proposed to provide the local community with regular updates on developments and progress at the site, with a monthly update page on Natural Resources Wales website. This is to complement the information already provided at the Community Liaison Meetings, which take place on a quarterly basis.

In addition to these measures, Enovert can report the following actions that have been undertaken over the last few months as part of scheduled site works:

• 7500 m2 of permanent clay capping on the top of Cell 4 and Cell 5a, was completed May 2024. Restoration soils are now being placed in these areas, prior to grass seeding.
• Temporary LLDPE plastic liner extended across the lower section of Cell 5a Northern flank in June 2024. This additional 2000 m2 of capping effectively seals this outer flank before future areas are filled with waste.

• Gas collector lines have been connected from leachate chambers and gas wells in Cell 5b into the gas main for active extraction, across this cell.
• A series of perforated horizontal gas collection lines have been installed within the current tipping area of Cell 5b, to provide gas extraction and minimise any odour, prior to more permanent deep gas wells being installed. Once pipework is installed these are buried and quickly covered with excavated waste, before cover material.
Further works scheduled over the next few weeks will include:
• Commence temporary capping with LLDPE plastic liner on the Northern flank of Cell 5b.
• Move 180mm gas main and collector lines onto top of Cell 5a.