Warboys landfill granted permit by Environment Agency

Woodford Waste Management's Puddock Hill landfill site in Warboys, Cambridgeshire has been issued with a Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permit by the Environment Agency.

The PPC permit will allow Woodford Waste Management to fill the remaining capacity of the landfill site with non-hazardous waste.

Mark Farren, Managing Director of Woodford Waste Management, said: "We're delighted that the Puddock Hill landfill site has been granted a PPC permit, it is an important step in the continued development of our landfill and recycling businesses and the services we offer to our customers."

The permit was granted following two years of consultation between the Environment Agency, Woodford Waste Management and the Warboys Landfill Forum, including 20 meetings and three separate rounds of public consultation.

Cllr Victor Lucas, County Councillor for Warboys and Upwood and Chairman of the Warboys Landfill Forum, said: "I am grateful that the Environment Agency has recognised the commitment of representatives from several local authorities and organisations to work together effectively through the Warboys Landfill Forum.

"The members of the Forum all have an interest in the impact of the work at the landfill site on the community of Warboys and surrounding villages. The Forum has only been able to help achieve this major milestone of resuming non-hazardous waste disposal at the site through the cooperation and responsiveness of the operators, Woodford Waste Management, and the Environment Agency.

"The granting of the permit represents a huge step forward following the dark days of uncertainty during the deliberations on the application for hazardous waste disposal in 2004 and the subsequent aborted appeal. The Forum will continue to scrutinise the management and procedures at the site to ensure that operations are being undertaken safely."

As part of the agreement for the permit Woodford Waste Management is to undertake a series of improvements to protect the environment and to provide detailed monitoring for ongoing surveillance at the landfill.

The Environment Agency believes that it will take Woodford Waste Management approximately three years or so to fill the remaining landfill space at the site.

John Orr, Local Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: "I’m pleased that we have now been able to issue the permit as it means the site will be improved and rigorously monitored, and that the environment will be properly protected into the future.

"Getting to this point has been a long, hard journey for all involved but I am convinced that this is the best way forward to deal with the site and protect the environment for the people of Warboys."

For further information regarding the Puddock Hill landfill site please call Woodford Waste Management on 01487 824 240 or email: enquiries@woodfordwastemanagement.co.uk