Roger Shaw, Managing Director of Minosus, explains: “We believe there
will be a significant shortage of hazardous waste disposal facilities in the
UK in the next few years. The implementation of the Landfill Directive will
prohibit the co-disposal of hazardous wastes with non-hazardous industrial and
municipal wastes. The government’s own research anticipates there will be very
few hazardous waste landfills. Furthermore, new sites to accept only hazardous
wastes are likely to be difficult to develop”.
Although Cheshire County Council found no reason to refuse permission to the
planning application submitted in 1999, the Minosus proposals were nevertheless
fully examined at a planning inquiry in November last year. Minosus called a
diverse team of specialists. Experts from Enviros presented evidence in respect
of Need, Waste Policy, BPEO and Sustainability. The local residents were understandably
concerned about perceived risks. Enviros helped Minosus consider a wide range
of risk scenarios, and presented evidence on air quality and other environmental
risk assessment issues. Mr Shaw said: “Enviros’s experts have played a
crucial role in giving Minosus the best possible chance of success in a critical
stage in the development of the project”.
The outcome of the planning inquiry is not anticipated before mid-2002. The
Environment Agency is currently considering the PPC permit application and,
if both are successful, Minosus would hope to have the facility in operation
early in 2003.