Withyhedge Landfill Investigation Update 16.1.24.
Natural Resources Wales would like to thank those who continue to report odour incidents from Withyhedge Landfill, Pembrokeshire.
Please be assured we are taking each report seriously and are focussing all our efforts on addressing the issues raised. Due to the unprecedented number of reports we’re receiving, we are unable to provide individual feedback at this time.
We are receiving some reports from beyond the immediate surrounding communities which we are seeking to verify to confirm the extent of impact. In addition, many calls are now detailing health concerns.
Whilst we take such reports very seriously, Natural Resources Wales is not the competent authority to assess the impact on human health.
If you are concerned about impacts on your health, you should:
- Seek advice from a medical professional e.g. a GP; or
- Contact NHS Direct Wales on 111 or at https://111.wales.nhs.uk/
In accordance with our incident procedures, we have notified Public Health Wales of these reports.
We still view the uncapped cell containing previously tipped waste as the most likely source of landfill gas emission and odour.
Ways to speed up the capping and gas management installation works are being explored. It is critical NRW undertake the necessary checks to ensure that decisions made to resolve issues more promptly now, don’t generate other risks in the future. We are waiting for additional information from the operator to allow us to make these assessments.
We will be contacting community leaders this week to confirm a date for a virtual meeting, which will provide an opportunity for NRW to provide a more detailed update on the work being carried out to investigate and resolve the odour and pollution issues. This will include a question and answer session.
Keep checking our website for updates and reporting odour either via this online form Report a smell at Withyhedge Landfill, our 24-hour number - 0300 065 3000. Please ensure the report includes a description of the odour, the time noticed and the duration it is experienced.