Previous reference:  Minute 49 and 54 2015/16

Council Minute 69 (2015-16)

Members were reminded that at the meeting of the Committee in April 2015 a joint report was presented to provide an update on a number of actions in relation to the transportation and rendering of animal by products at Omega Proteins Ltd, Thornton, Bradford.  The Committee requested that an update report be provided and the report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, (Document “V”) provides that update.

Recommended –

That officers be supported in their statutory duties to investigate and take enforcement action, as appropriate, and that Ward Members and the Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Chair be advised of any key actions.

(Ruth Lees – 01274 431349)

Previous reference:  Minute 49 and 54 2015/16

Council Minute 69 (2015-16)

Members were reminded that at the meeting of the Committee in April 2015 a joint report was presented to provide an update on a number of actions in relation to the transportation and rendering of animal by products at Omega Proteins Ltd, Thornton, Bradford.  The Committee requested that an update report be provided and the report of the Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing, (Document “V”) provided the response to that request.

Members were aware that a new varied permit was issued to the Company on February 4^th 2015. This permit had required the Company to meet certain requirements in relation to the operation of the plant which go beyond the advice within the statutory guidance. On March 27^th 2015 the Company submitted an appeal against the varied permit to the Planning Inspectorate. The appeal was heard in November 2015 and the Planning Inspector’s decision was received by the Authority on September 7^th 2016. The Inspector rule in relation to four contested conditions was reported.

Following the receipt of the Inspector’s decision notice the Company decided to apply for judicial Review in relation to the matter covered in 2.1.4 in relation to the site boundary. That matter had not yet been considered by the Administrative Court although correspondence had been received by the Council’s legal services indicating that this matter was progressing.

Following receipt of the Inspectors decision a varied permit incorporating the relevant changes was issued to the Company on the 25^th November 2016.  Since the date of the last report and following on from the issue of the varied permit in February 2015 a number of works had been carried out at the plant and included continuous monitoring equipment installed on the thermal oxidiser; additional extraction installed above the raw materials hoppers; bio filter 2 media replaced and the trailer shed completed including extraction to the biofilter.

The Major Development Manager confirmed that there had been no major planning issues since the previous report and that two planning consents had now been implemented involving the stack and trailer shed.  Members were advised of a procedure to allow emergency movement of vehicles if there was an animal emergency due to vehicle breakdown.  That process had been used twice last year when vehicles become stuck because of inclement weather.

The Highway Services Manager provided an update on highway issues since the last report and confirmed that the new 20mph speed limit signs were now installed and awaiting electrical installation in February 2017.  The locations of those signs were appended to the report and arrangements were being made for the Road Safety Team to attend Keelham Primary School to carry out a day of action with staff and pupils.

Officers were thanked for their efforts to alleviate the problems experienced by local residents and were congratulated for their success in the legal process.  The relationship with the company since the legal process was questioned and it was confirmed that it had improved.  It was reported the company respected and accepted the issues raised.  Officers were pushing to achieve Best Available Technology (BAT) at the premises.  The condition which was still being pursued by the company was regarding the definition of the site boundary and did not affect odour emissions.  It was confirmed that the Authority was not responsible for any costs associated with the issue being challenged. 

Progress on the company’s trial of a new design trailer to tackle odour being emitted from wagons was questioned and it was advised that the company was still working towards that design. Spillages were still occurring with three happening in the previous week.  There had been insufficient evidence to prosecute on those occasions, however, two incidents, occurring in June and September were being pursued. It was explained that the haulage company was from Birmingham and not connected with the Leo Group.

An update had been provided to Queensbury residents who had been informed that the Council could not force the company to use the new vehicles but a prototype was in use.  They had also been informed that the Council could, with sufficient evidence, prosecute for spillages.

Resolved –

That officers be thanked for their continuing efforts to support residents; be supported in their statutory duties to investigate and take enforcement action, as appropriate, and that Ward Members and the Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Chair be advised of any key actions.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Health & Wellbeing