Jameson Road Landfill Site - Fleetwood

Jameson Road is an established landfill site near Fleetwood that has been in operation for many years.

The site was taken over in late 2023 by Transwaste Recycling & Aggregates Limited, who now operate the site under environmental permits issued by the Environment Agency.

Landfill sites produce gas as waste breaks down. This is known as landfill gas and includes methane, carbon dioxide and small amounts of hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide has a strong “rotten egg” smell and can be detected at very low levels.

When landfill sites are reworked after a period of lower activity, or when older waste is disturbed, gases that were previously contained can be released. This can increase odour if it is not effectively controlled.

The site also manages:

• landfill gas (which should be collected and controlled through infrastructure)
• leachate (liquid that drains from waste)
• waste disposal activities

Since early 2024, there has been a significant increase in reports of odour affecting Fleetwood and surrounding areas.

What has happened since 2024

In response, the Environment Agency has significantly increased its regulatory activity at the site.

This has included:

• frequent site inspections and odour assessments within the community
• the use of specialist monitoring equipment and drone surveys
• requiring improvements to landfill gas management and site operations
• taking formal enforcement action where necessary

We have required the operator to make changes such as:

• increasing landfill gas collection and extraction
• improving how waste is covered
• changing tipping practices

While these actions have led to improvements in how the site operates:

Odour is still occurring and continues to affect the community. This is not acceptable and further improvements are required.

The most important current step to reduce emissions is the permanent capping of Cells 5 and 6, which is designed to better contain landfill gas and prevent it from escaping.

Monitoring and health advice

We have deployed a mobile monitoring facility in the local area to measure air quality, including hydrogen sulphide and methane.

Air quality monitoring supports our understanding of emissions and site performance, but it is not used on its own to determine breaches of the environmental permit.

We work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who are the independent public health experts. They use monitoring data and other information to assess potential impacts on human health.

UKHSA has advised that the levels measured are generally below those expected to cause long‑term physical harm, but strong odours can still be unpleasant and may affect wellbeing.

The map below shows the location of Jameson Road landfill site and the location of the mobile monitoring facility.

Partnership working

We work closely with:

• Wyre Borough Council – which investigates statutory nuisance and collects odour reports
• Lancashire County Council – responsible for planning and public health
• UKHSA – provides independent health advice

We recognise the continued impact this is having on residents and the importance of reducing odour affecting the community.

The Jameson Road landfill site is regulated by the Environment Agency. 

You can view the latest permit here: Jameson Road Permit

Why are there two permits?

The site is made up of two separate landfill areas, each covered by its own permit:

• Permit AP3095LF (Phase 1)
  This applies to the older part of the site. It is now closed and in aftercare, meaning it is no longer used for active waste disposal.
• Permit BL9518IE (Phase 2)
  This is the active landfill area, where waste disposal, landfill gas management and site operations currently take place.

Who holds the permits?

Both permits were transferred to:

Transwaste Recycling & Aggregates Limited on 30 August 2023.

They are responsible for operating the site in line with all permit conditions.

What does the closed permit mean in practice?

The restriction to “soils and stones only” applies only to Phase 1, because it is closed and in aftercare.

This does not apply to the active landfill area (Phase 2).

The active permit allows the operator to accept specified types of non‑hazardous waste, in line with strict conditions.

What the permit requires

The environmental permit sets strict conditions to protect the environment and the local community.

The operator must:

• Control landfill gas

Gas produced by the waste must be collected and managed to prevent odour and emissions escaping from the site.

• Minimise odour from waste activities

Waste must be handled and covered in a way that reduces odour, including the use of appropriate daily cover.

• Manage leachate

Liquid from the waste must be collected and treated to prevent pollution of groundwater and surface water.

• Prevent pollution outside the site boundary

The operator must take all appropriate measures to ensure emissions, including odour, do not cause pollution that affects local communities.

• Maintain site infrastructure

This includes landfill liners, capping, and gas collection systems to ensure the site operates safely and effectively.

• Monitor and report

The operator must monitor environmental conditions and provide this data to the Environment Agency.

What this means for the community

The operator is required to run the site in a way that:

• prevents odour from affecting local residents
• controls emissions from landfill gas
• protects air, land and water

If these conditions are not met:

The Environment Agency will take enforcement action to require improvements and, where necessary, restrict activities. If the operator does not demonstrate that odour can be controlled, we will consider all available regulatory options, including further restrictions or closure.

The Environment Agency takes enforcement action when the operator does not meet the conditions of their environmental permit or where there is a risk of pollution.

Below is a summary of the key enforcement actions taken at Jameson Road landfill.

Enforcement timeline

18 March 2024
Suspension Notice (Regulation 37) issued requiring the operator to stop using a “tipping bay” that was not permitted and was causing odour emissions.

• Waste handling in this area had the potential to cause significant off‑site odour.

24 May 2024
Suspension Notice (Regulation 37) issued due to inadequate control of landfill gas.

• Cells 1, 2 and 5 were not sufficiently covered
• Gas was not being effectively collected
• This resulted in strong and persistent odour affecting the local community

19 August 2024
Suspension Notice withdrawn following actions taken by the operator to address the issues identified.

25 March 2025
Suspension Notice (Regulation 37) issued relating to Cell 6.

• Landfill gas was not being adequately collected
• Uncapped areas were producing emissions causing persistent odour

8 April 2025
Suspension Notice withdrawn after works were completed to improve landfill gas control.

26 August 2025
Enforcement Notice (Regulation 36) issued requiring the operator to submit improved odour and landfill gas management plans.

30 January 2026
Enforcement Notice (Regulation 36) issued due to ongoing odour pollution.

• The operator failed to apply adequate daily cover to waste in Cells 5 and 6
• Odour was continuing to affect the community outside the site boundary

7 May 2026
Enforcement Notice (Regulation 36) withdrawn following actions taken by the operator to address the issues completed. 

What this means

This enforcement history shows that:

• The Environment Agency has taken repeated action where problems have been identified
• Issues have included landfill gas control, waste covering, and site operations
• Odour pollution has been identified as affecting the local community

We continue to actively regulate the site and require further improvements.

Current focus

The most important current action is the:

Permanent capping of Cells 5 and 6 to reduce landfill gas emissions and stop odour affecting the community.

This work is being closely inspected by Environment Agency specialists to ensure it is delivered to the required standard.

What happens next

We recognise that odour is still affecting the community, and this is not acceptable.

If the operator does not demonstrate that odour can be effectively controlled, we will continue to escalate our regulatory response and consider all available options, including further restrictions or closure.

To access compliance assessment reports for Jameson Road from 18th of August 2025 please click here

Reports prior to this date can be found here

Please note that names of officers have been removed from these documents as disclosure would breach the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).

Please note when the Environment Agency issues a Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) form, there is a 42-day holding period before the form is published online. This holding period allows operators time to challenge the contents of the CAR form through the EA’s regulatory appeals process. Further information can be found here.

You can find all our community updates on the below links.

Most recent:

Jameson Road Community Update - 11 May 2026

Previous updates from 2026:

Jameson Road Community Update - 6 May 2026

Jameson Road Community Update - 13 April 2026

Jameson Road Community Update - 1 April 2026

Jameson Road Community Update 27 February 2026

Update 12 February 2026

We are reviewing Transwaste’s compliance with the Regulatory Enforcement Notice issued on 30 January 2026. The notice required specific actions to be completed by 4pm on 9 February 2026. Once this review is complete, we will determine the next steps towards a permanent cap of the most recently filled cells. We will update this page as soon as we have more information.

Update 2 February 2026

On Friday 30 January, we served a regulatory enforcement notice on Transwaste. This notice requires the operator to ensure that areas of the landfill (Cell 5 and Cell 6) are adequately covered to reduce the risk of odour. The deadline for completing this work is 9 February, and we expect the operator to comply in full.

Our officers were present in the local area over the weekend and detected strong odour coming from the landfill. Some odour was also identified from other potential sources closer to Thornton, which we will follow up.

We will be carrying out further checks this week and will keep the community informed of progress. If the required improvements are not delivered by the deadline, we will consider taking further regulatory action. We recognise the impact odour can have on local residents, and the community should not have to experience prolonged odour issues.

Link to the enforcement notice here

Update 30 January 2026

January has seen sustained period of odour reports received through our incident hotline. The last 10 days of reporting numbers are below.

In previous weeks we have received the following weekly totals (Monday to Sunday);  Week ending Jan 4 – 223 Reports; 11 Jan - 138 Reports; 18 Jan – 189 Reports, 25 Jan – 166 Reports.

We are receiving an increased number of letters from members of the community who explain how the issue is impacting them. The nature of the operation is potentially odourous, but it should not be a constant impact on lives of residents. We do not manage the landfill, we expect Transwaste to do that in a way that does not or absolutely minimises impact on the community. We will take action to do this, if the operator does not act swiftly we will escalate our response.

Our officers continue to carry out targeted odour monitoring within the community alongside regular on‑site compliance inspections. We are maintaining an enhanced regulatory presence at the site, including frequent visits and assessments by a landfill gas technical specialist.

This week we have carried out a drone flight on the 28 January followed by a site inspection on the 29 January. Issues were found and we will make sure they are addressed. The focus is on the controls needed to prevent odour. 

We have provided immediate feedback to Transwaste and are considering our response and will hold them to account.

Please find previous updates from 2025 here

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides independent advice on the potential health impacts of air quality around the site.

The Environment Agency shares monitoring data and evidence with UKHSA, who use this alongside other information to assess potential impacts on public health.

• Latest Public Health Risk Assessment (UKHSA): Public Health Risk Assessment

UKHSA’s assessment is independent of the Environment Agency’s regulatory role.

We will publish updated advice from UKHSA when it becomes available.

Are the smells harmful to health?

We understand that many people are concerned about the impact of odour on their health.

The Environment Agency works closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who are independent public health experts. Based on available monitoring data, UKHSA has advised that pollutant levels are below those expected to cause long‑term physical harm.

However, strong odours can still be unpleasant and may affect wellbeing and quality of life. Some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, irritation or disturbed sleep.

Why do people feel unwell if monitoring shows low levels?

The human body is very sensitive to certain gases, particularly hydrogen sulphide, which can be detected at extremely low levels.

This means people may smell odours strongly and experience symptoms even when concentrations are below health-based guideline values.

We recognise that these experiences are real and can have a significant impact on daily life.

What symptoms may be caused by odour?

People exposed to strong odours may experience short-term symptoms such as:

• headaches
• nausea
• irritation to the eyes, nose and throat
• disturbed sleep

People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience increased symptoms.

Who assesses potential health impacts?

The Environment Agency regulates the landfill site.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for assessing potential impacts on public health. The Environment Agency provides monitoring data and evidence to UKHSA, who use this to provide independent advice.

What should I do if I experience a strong smell?

If you experience strong odour, you can:

• close windows and doors temporarily
• ventilate your home once the odour reduces
• avoid outdoor exposure during strong odour episodes

If you have health concerns, you should contact NHS 111 or your GP.

What is the purpose of air quality monitoring?

We carry out air quality monitoring to support our regulatory work.

It helps us:

• understand what is in the air
• identify likely sources of emissions
• assess whether improvements at the site are working

Monitoring is used alongside site inspections, odour assessments and reports from residents.

It is not used on its own to determine breaches of the environmental permit.

Are air quality monitoring reports used to assess health impacts?

The Environment Agency carries out air quality monitoring to support its regulatory role and assess how the site is performing.

Monitoring data may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who are responsible for assessing potential impacts on public health.

UKHSA uses this data alongside other information when producing independent health advice.

Why can I smell odour when monitoring doesn’t show it?

There are several reasons:

• monitoring is carried out at a fixed location
• wind direction determines where odour travels
• short‑term spikes may not always be captured in data
• the human nose can detect certain gases at very low levels

This means odour can be experienced in the community even when it is not strongly reflected in monitoring data.

How does wind direction affect odour?

The diagram below shows how wind direction influences where emissions from the landfill travel.

When the wind blows in certain directions, emissions may travel away from the monitoring unit and affect other parts of Fleetwood. This means the monitoring data reflects conditions at one location rather than across the whole area.

Why don’t you install more monitors?

We understand that people would like to see more monitoring locations.

Our current approach uses high-quality equipment to provide reliable data that supports regulatory decisions.

Using a larger number of lower-accuracy sensors can introduce uncertainty and make results harder to interpret.

We keep our monitoring approach under review.

How does the Mobile Monitoring Facility (MMF) work?

The Mobile Monitoring Facility is a specialist unit that:

• continuously monitors gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane
• records wind speed and direction
• helps us understand how emissions behave over time

 Videos | Air Quality Monitoring | Engage Environment Agency 

Where can I find monitoring data and reports?

You can access the latest Environment Agency monitoring information below:

• Latest air quality monitoring report: Lastest report
• Current monitoring data: Latest data
• Air quality monitoring factsheet (Mobile Monitoring Facility): Factsheet

These reports explain the monitoring we carry out to support our regulatory work and assess the performance of the site.

Why was there missing monitoring data in 2025?

A technical issue was identified with equipment used to check the hydrogen sulphide instrument.

Because the data from this period could not be reliably verified, it was removed to ensure accuracy and transparency.

What is causing the smell?

Odour from landfill sites generally comes from two sources:

• waste odour from fresh waste as it is delivered and tipped
• landfill gas produced as waste breaks down

Landfill gas contains small amounts of hydrogen sulphide, which has a strong “rotten egg” smell and can be detected at very low levels.

Why is odour sometimes worse at night?

Odour can be more noticeable at night due to weather conditions.

Lower wind speeds and temperature inversions can trap emissions closer to the ground and reduce dispersion, making odour more noticeable.

Videos | Air Quality Monitoring | Engage Environment Agency 

Why is this problem still happening?

Landfill gas is produced continuously as waste breaks down and controlling it can be complex, particularly where older waste has been disturbed.

We have required improvements to gas management and site operations.

The most important current step is the permanent capping of Cells 5 and 6, which is designed to reduce emissions and stop odour affecting the community.

What is being done to reduce odour?

We have taken a range of actions, including:

• issuing enforcement notices
• requiring improvements to gas management
• restricting certain activities on site
• increasing inspections and monitoring

Further information is available in the Enforcement and Latest Updates sections.

What will happen if the odour does not improve?

We recognise that odour is still affecting the community, and this is not acceptable.

If the operator does not demonstrate that odour can be effectively controlled, we will continue to escalate our regulatory response and consider all available options, including further restrictions or closure.

Does reporting odour make a difference?

Yes.

Reports from residents help us:

• identify when odour is occurring
• understand which areas are affected
• target inspections
• gather evidence for enforcement action