Odour Response in Westbury 10 July 26

The Environment Agency takes concerns from the local community seriously and is continuing to investigate reports of odour in the Westbury area.

As we shared last week, Hills have shut the Northacre MBT facility in Westbury for two weeks for maintenance to one of their biohall cranes. They have shared that they plan to reopen the facility on the 20 July. You can read more from Hills about the decision here: https://www.hills-waste.co.uk/news/northacre-mbt-lower-compton-landfill-and-ukhsa-report

Hills have made the decision to currently stop accepting waste. We have required the operator to use this period to carry out additional surveys and remediation work on key infrastructure, including the biofilter, air circulation and negative pressure systems that are designed to minimise odour emissions.

In recent weeks, Environment Agency officers have carried out odour assessments on most days when reports have been received. We have also completed site inspections, reviewed regulatory information provided by the operator, and continue to work closely with relevant partners to identify potential sources of the odour and reduce impacts where possible.

Investigating odour can be complex, particularly where there may be multiple potential sources and where weather and environmental conditions can affect how odours are experienced across an area. We will continue to assess all reports received and will take appropriate regulatory action if necessary.

We understand the disruption and frustration that odour issues can cause for local residents and appreciate the importance of addressing community concerns. We are committed to engaging face to face with the community in Westbury as soon as possible, and we are working with Wiltshire Council to arrange an event in the near future.

Environment Agency staff on site at Northacre MBT