Consultation launches on draft decision for permit variation at Cwmfelinfach waste facility

A four-week public consultation has been launched by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) today (30 August) on a draft decision to vary an environmental permit for a waste facility at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate in Caerphilly.

The application to vary the permit was submitted by Drumcastle Limited in November last year and proposes to remove the combustion of natural gas that is used for drying waste.

It also proposes the use of an activated carbon filter, which would help to reduce potential odour released from the site.

Although the site is not yet operational, Drumcastle Limited currently holds an environmental permit for the treatment of non-hazardous household, commercial and industrial waste to produce solid recovered and refuse derived fuel.

Following a public consultation held in April this year, NRW has now completed a thorough technical assessment and determination of the application.

Before a final decision is made, a second consultation is being held with local businesses and communities to provide them with the opportunity to review the draft decision document and submit any relevant information which may not have been considered.

The consultation will run for 4 weeks until 26 September. 

Jon Goldsworthy Operations Manager for Natural Resources Wales said:

We know people have a range of views on the waste facility at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate.

Providing businesses and communities with a platform to express and share these views is an important part of this process and we’re urging everyone with an interest in the proposed changes to take part in the consultation and have their say.

This is a variation to an existing permit, and we are confident the company can make the changes without adversely impacting on local people or the environment.

NRW is required to issue a permit variation if the applicant can show that the site will be operated to appropriate standards and all the legal requirements will be met.

The consultation launches on 30 August and will close on 26 September. 

The application, supporting information and the consultation are available online: Consultation on draft decision for a permit variation at Nine Mile Point Waste Transfer Facility - Natural Resources Wales Citizen Space - Citizen Space (cyfoethnaturiol.cymru)