Work underway to identify source of odour and smoke in Ruthin
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council (DCC) to identify the source of strong odours and smoke in the Ruthin area.
This comes following multiple complaints from residents which has led to a joint investigation into the matter. However, identification of the sources is being complicated due to the close proximity of each of the potential sites to one another.
Industry Regulation Team Leader at Natural Resources Wales, Julia Frost said:
“We’ve been receiving reports of smoke and odour as well as visible plumes within the Ruthin area since late 2020.
“NRW is the regulator for one potential source and we will be analysing information from the operator in accordance with the conditions of their environmental permit.
“Due to the type of activity at this site, it is likely there will be a visible release to atmosphere. NRW will continue to ensure that activities in relation to the factory are carried out in line with the Environmental Permit, which contains a number of conditions designed to protect both human health and the environment.”
A recent inspection at the site identified that a second combustion unit had been brought into operation in late 2020. This unit was not part of the environmental permit and, on instruction from NRW this additional unit ceased activity on 22 January 2021.
The operator has since submitted a permit variation application in connection with the second combustion unit and this will be considered in accordance with NRW’s application determination policy and process.
Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said:
“The Council is aware that there are a number of industrial premises in the area that may be contributing to smoke and odour affecting residents and we are continuing to investigate the potential sources.
“The Council is pleased to be working in partnership with NRW to find a solution for residents.”
Anyone concerned about their health due to smoke and odour in the Ruthin area should contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
If you are a member of the public and wish to report an environmental incident then you can get in touch with either Natural Resources Wales’ incident hotline by calling 0300 065 3000, which is open 24 hours day, seven days a week or, for activities regulated by Denbighshire County Council, contact www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/pollution/air-quality.aspx or 01824 706080.