Our Work on Site

This page contains information about steps the Environment Agency has arranged to take to remove a risk of serious pollution following disclaimer of the environmental permit.

On 28 February 2025 the Environment Agency was informed that Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL) had entered liquidation. On the same date the liquidators disclaimed the environmental permits held by WQL and the freehold title to the site. This means that the environmental permits, for the landfill and the soil treatment activity no longer exist. Following disclaimer, the property is subject to ‘escheat’, a legal process under which it falls to be dealt with by the Crown Estate.

The Environment Agency is using its limited, discretionary powers under Regulation 57 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations to arrange for steps to be taken to remove a risk of serious pollution. We have engaged contractors for this purpose and you may see activity on the site as a result.

For more information, please see the updates below about the work on site. For any questions about the liquidation of WQL and the consequences for Walleys Quarry, please see our Frequently Asked Questions here.

20 November 2025

The works carried out in the void have been successful in controlling landfill gas and leachate in that area. Levels of surface water are being effectively managed.

Work to refurbish the Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) is progressing. Contractors have now started to de-sludge the tank in readiness for recommissioning the plant. As we indicated on 11 November, there is the potential for a temporary increase in off-site odour while this work is carried out. Treatment on-site remains the most sustainable option to manage leachate, rather than removal by tankers for treatment off-site.

We anticipate carrying out shallow excavations to review the temporary capping and clay liner on the north-west of the site and considering next steps. Our contractors will continue to monitor the site, and we will maintain regular contact with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

We are working closely with our contractors to respond to the impacts of cold weather and heavy rainfall on the site.

Aerial view of Walleys Quarry - 6 November 2025


03 October 2025


Since our last update, two redundant leachate wells which had previously been a source of odour have been decommissioned. Our contractors have created access routes to facilitate further assessment of the leachate infrastructure. They have also carried out drainage improvements to access roads to reduce the risk of surface water flooding onsite during periods of heavy rainfall.

Remedial works to capping on site are continuing, with completion anticipated by the end of October, subject always to weather conditions. There will be additional vehicle movements until mid-October as material is delivered to the site.


Photograph taken on 26 September 2025 showing clay placed on the site to remove the risk of fugitive landfill gas emissions

As we have stated previously, some of the works required may result in temporary off-site odours, particularly where gas infrastructure pipework requires short-term disconnection and realignment.

02 September 2025

Following previous updates, we have continued to import material to remedy depressions in the surface of the landfill, to help prevent odorous emissions from the site. These works have taken longer than expected due to their complexity. In the event of adverse weather conditions, activities on site may be impacted which must be factored into our planning.

Our contractors plan to access the leachate wells to service the pumps, and to decommission any damaged wells. They will also shortly complete installation of automated pumps in the void area, to manage surface water that may accumulate following rainfall.

CLP Envirogas Limited continues to monitor and maintain its gas management infrastructure.

As we have previously explained, some of the works being carried out on site may result in temporary increases in off-site odour, particularly where pipe works needs to be temporarily disconnected and realigned.Photograph of depression work at the top of the site on 27 August 2025

07 August 2025

From the week commencing 11 August 2025 there will be an increase in the number of lorries delivering materials to the site, for the purposes of the work described in our update on 29 July 2025. A road sweeper will be in operation on the road outside the site as necessary.

29 July 2025

Since our update on 9 June 2025, works to capture landfill gas and leachate in the void area have been completed. By the end of August, we expect the contractors to move from a manual system to using automatic pumps, which manage the separate surface water and leachate drainage in that part of the site.

Work at the top of the site to infill the surface depressions, and repair defects in the temporary capping, will continue into the Autumn. This work focusses on controlling landfill gas emissions, which can cause off-site odour. To move plant and materials where they are needed, additional access tracks will be constructed. We have given instructions that lorries avoid queuing on the public highway.

Throughout this period, landfill gas pipework may be temporarily disconnected and realigned. As we have explained before, this may result in temporary increases in localised off-site odour. We have instructed contractors to keep this to a minimum as much as possible.

Photograph of imported material in the void area taken on 29 July 2025

9 June 2025

Since our last update on 14 May 2025, our contractors have continued to bring materials onto the site. After completing the new access track, engineering works are progressing to remedy several shallow surface depressions and capping defects on top of the site. We expect these works to begin this week (commencing 9 June 2025), and last for approximately 6 weeks.

Installation of a new drain in the void has also been completed. The drain will manage any landfill gas and leachate that would otherwise escape from this area of the site. Our contractors are preparing to install an engineered clay bund along the waste flank in this location.

As we have previously explained, there may be an increase in odour when pipework is temporarily disconnected and re-aligned to minimise the risk of accidental damage. Contractors will do their best to minimise any disturbance of odorous waste.

We aim to complete works that have a greater likelihood of increasing odour, before the start of the school summer holidays.

14 May 2025

We would like to thank the community for their patience in relation to the steps being taken on the site, following Walleys Quarry Ltd entering into Liquidation and the permit being disclaimed.

Since the last update on 23 April 2025, our contractors have completed the new access track on the western flank of the landfill site. This will allow access to this part of the site for equipment and materials so contractors can remedy numerous capping defects. Materials continue to be brought onto the site for this and other works. The access track may be extended depending on the need.

During the next 4 weeks, further excavations and movements of materials will also be undertaken to progress works within the void area and along the inner western flank.

Odour from the site may increase when pipework is temporarily disconnected and re-aligned to minimise the risk of accidental damage. Contractors will do their best to minimise any excavation and re-profiling of odorous waste.

In addition, there is no intention to undertake works over the May Bank Holiday weekend, in order to further minimise any local impact.

Construction of an access track by contractors on the western side and crest of Walleys Quarry, in May 2025

23 April 2025

Following our update on 15 April, you may have begun to notice an increase in activity on site over the past few days.

Over the next 2 weeks, up to 30 lorry loads of clay material will be delivered to the site each day. This clay will be used as part of capping works in the western ‘void area’.

As the current excavation continues, there remains a risk of a slight increase in odour levels.

Contractors working in the void area of the western part of Walleys Quarry, in April 2025

15 April 2025

Further to our update on 1 April 2025, the work we told you about is progressing well.

Contractors are working to manage the small amount of liquid which continues to accumulate in the western void at the site. Moving excavated waste may cause a temporary increase in odours from the landfill which our contractors are managing.

Clay material will be imported and used in the void, with additional measures planned to mitigate leachate migration and potential groundwater ingress.

After work in the void has been completed, steps will be taken to remedy capping defects elsewhere. This will begin with creation of an access track, for machinery, over the western flank of the landfill.

Aerial photograph of Walleys Quarry, taken in April 2025

1 April 2025

As part of the steps we have arranged at Walleys Quarry to remove the risk of serious pollution, our contractors have begun removing surface water accumulated in the void area adjacent to the western flank of the site, where there have also been signs of slippage under the capping.

Our contractors have made a small slit in the capping, which was identified as having been stretched more than we had anticipated. This is to facilitate drainage of the leachate that had built up behind it. The drainage is likely to last several days.

The leachate will be disposed of offsite appropriately. These works may lead to a temporary increase in odour around the site.

This week (week commencing 31 March 2025) our contractors will continue work in the void area. You may see additional machinery and materials arriving on site.

You may see Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (Staffs FRS) vehicles arriving at the site on today (Tuesday 1 April). This is part of a routine, planned visit. The vehicles will be present so that Staffs FRS officers are able to respond immediately to any off-site calls they may receive.

13 March 2025

In our update on 5 March 2025 we explained that the Environment Agency has discretionary powers to arrange for steps to be taken on site to remove the risk of serious pollution.

Work will be carried out by contractors on the site including:

  • Securing the site to prevent access by trespassers, who could damage the infrastructure necessary to manage emissions.

  • Installing temporary capping, to a small area of previously deposited waste. This was required by the Closure Notice, but was not completed by Walleys Quarry Ltd. The area is in the same location where bubbling liquid can be seen on recent drone footage. The liquid will be removed by tankers to allow this work to take place. You can expect to see these tankers from today.

  • Remedial work to improve the stability of waste near the western flank. There has been some localised slippage, and this work will help protect the integrity of capping in that area.

  • A review of current arrangements and, subject to that, possible alterations to ensure that the surface water is managed effectively.

  • Actions to manage the groundwater under the site and leachate levels within the capped area, to avoid harm to the integrity of the landfill containment system.

5 March 2025

The liquidators of Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL) have informed us that they have disclaimed the environmental permits held by WQL. This means that the environmental permits, for the landfill and the soil treatment activity, no longer exist. The Environment Agency cannot object to a liquidator disclaiming an environmental permit or any other property owned by a company.

The Environment Agency has attended the landfill and assessed it and do not consider that this presents an immediate risk of serious pollution, which includes harm to human health.

CLP Envirogas Limited is continuing to operate the onsite landfill gas management system. The latest data from the Mobile Monitoring Facilities confirms that levels of fugitive landfill gas outside the site are low.

Officers have identified there is still some work to do in respect of the infrastructure steps in the Closure Notice.

The Environment Agency has discretionary powers, to arrange for steps to be taken to remove the risk of serious pollution. We are liaising with specialist contractors who we expect to be onsite to take such steps as appropriate in the near future.

This page contains information about steps the Environment Agency has arranged to take to remove a risk of serious pollution following disclaimer of the environmental permit.

On 28 February 2025 the Environment Agency was informed that Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL) had entered liquidation. On the same date the liquidators disclaimed the environmental permits held by WQL and the freehold title to the site. This means that the environmental permits, for the landfill and the soil treatment activity no longer exist. Following disclaimer, the property is subject to ‘escheat’, a legal process under which it falls to be dealt with by the Crown Estate.

The Environment Agency is using its limited, discretionary powers under Regulation 57 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations to arrange for steps to be taken to remove a risk of serious pollution. We have engaged contractors for this purpose and you may see activity on the site as a result.

For more information, please see the updates below about the work on site. For any questions about the liquidation of WQL and the consequences for Walleys Quarry, please see our Frequently Asked Questions here.

20 November 2025

The works carried out in the void have been successful in controlling landfill gas and leachate in that area. Levels of surface water are being effectively managed.

Work to refurbish the Leachate Treatment Plant (LTP) is progressing. Contractors have now started to de-sludge the tank in readiness for recommissioning the plant. As we indicated on 11 November, there is the potential for a temporary increase in off-site odour while this work is carried out. Treatment on-site remains the most sustainable option to manage leachate, rather than removal by tankers for treatment off-site.

We anticipate carrying out shallow excavations to review the temporary capping and clay liner on the north-west of the site and considering next steps. Our contractors will continue to monitor the site, and we will maintain regular contact with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

We are working closely with our contractors to respond to the impacts of cold weather and heavy rainfall on the site.

Aerial view of Walleys Quarry - 6 November 2025


03 October 2025


Since our last update, two redundant leachate wells which had previously been a source of odour have been decommissioned. Our contractors have created access routes to facilitate further assessment of the leachate infrastructure. They have also carried out drainage improvements to access roads to reduce the risk of surface water flooding onsite during periods of heavy rainfall.

Remedial works to capping on site are continuing, with completion anticipated by the end of October, subject always to weather conditions. There will be additional vehicle movements until mid-October as material is delivered to the site.


Photograph taken on 26 September 2025 showing clay placed on the site to remove the risk of fugitive landfill gas emissions

As we have stated previously, some of the works required may result in temporary off-site odours, particularly where gas infrastructure pipework requires short-term disconnection and realignment.

02 September 2025

Following previous updates, we have continued to import material to remedy depressions in the surface of the landfill, to help prevent odorous emissions from the site. These works have taken longer than expected due to their complexity. In the event of adverse weather conditions, activities on site may be impacted which must be factored into our planning.

Our contractors plan to access the leachate wells to service the pumps, and to decommission any damaged wells. They will also shortly complete installation of automated pumps in the void area, to manage surface water that may accumulate following rainfall.

CLP Envirogas Limited continues to monitor and maintain its gas management infrastructure.

As we have previously explained, some of the works being carried out on site may result in temporary increases in off-site odour, particularly where pipe works needs to be temporarily disconnected and realigned.Photograph of depression work at the top of the site on 27 August 2025

07 August 2025

From the week commencing 11 August 2025 there will be an increase in the number of lorries delivering materials to the site, for the purposes of the work described in our update on 29 July 2025. A road sweeper will be in operation on the road outside the site as necessary.

29 July 2025

Since our update on 9 June 2025, works to capture landfill gas and leachate in the void area have been completed. By the end of August, we expect the contractors to move from a manual system to using automatic pumps, which manage the separate surface water and leachate drainage in that part of the site.

Work at the top of the site to infill the surface depressions, and repair defects in the temporary capping, will continue into the Autumn. This work focusses on controlling landfill gas emissions, which can cause off-site odour. To move plant and materials where they are needed, additional access tracks will be constructed. We have given instructions that lorries avoid queuing on the public highway.

Throughout this period, landfill gas pipework may be temporarily disconnected and realigned. As we have explained before, this may result in temporary increases in localised off-site odour. We have instructed contractors to keep this to a minimum as much as possible.

Photograph of imported material in the void area taken on 29 July 2025

9 June 2025

Since our last update on 14 May 2025, our contractors have continued to bring materials onto the site. After completing the new access track, engineering works are progressing to remedy several shallow surface depressions and capping defects on top of the site. We expect these works to begin this week (commencing 9 June 2025), and last for approximately 6 weeks.

Installation of a new drain in the void has also been completed. The drain will manage any landfill gas and leachate that would otherwise escape from this area of the site. Our contractors are preparing to install an engineered clay bund along the waste flank in this location.

As we have previously explained, there may be an increase in odour when pipework is temporarily disconnected and re-aligned to minimise the risk of accidental damage. Contractors will do their best to minimise any disturbance of odorous waste.

We aim to complete works that have a greater likelihood of increasing odour, before the start of the school summer holidays.

14 May 2025

We would like to thank the community for their patience in relation to the steps being taken on the site, following Walleys Quarry Ltd entering into Liquidation and the permit being disclaimed.

Since the last update on 23 April 2025, our contractors have completed the new access track on the western flank of the landfill site. This will allow access to this part of the site for equipment and materials so contractors can remedy numerous capping defects. Materials continue to be brought onto the site for this and other works. The access track may be extended depending on the need.

During the next 4 weeks, further excavations and movements of materials will also be undertaken to progress works within the void area and along the inner western flank.

Odour from the site may increase when pipework is temporarily disconnected and re-aligned to minimise the risk of accidental damage. Contractors will do their best to minimise any excavation and re-profiling of odorous waste.

In addition, there is no intention to undertake works over the May Bank Holiday weekend, in order to further minimise any local impact.

Construction of an access track by contractors on the western side and crest of Walleys Quarry, in May 2025

23 April 2025

Following our update on 15 April, you may have begun to notice an increase in activity on site over the past few days.

Over the next 2 weeks, up to 30 lorry loads of clay material will be delivered to the site each day. This clay will be used as part of capping works in the western ‘void area’.

As the current excavation continues, there remains a risk of a slight increase in odour levels.

Contractors working in the void area of the western part of Walleys Quarry, in April 2025

15 April 2025

Further to our update on 1 April 2025, the work we told you about is progressing well.

Contractors are working to manage the small amount of liquid which continues to accumulate in the western void at the site. Moving excavated waste may cause a temporary increase in odours from the landfill which our contractors are managing.

Clay material will be imported and used in the void, with additional measures planned to mitigate leachate migration and potential groundwater ingress.

After work in the void has been completed, steps will be taken to remedy capping defects elsewhere. This will begin with creation of an access track, for machinery, over the western flank of the landfill.

Aerial photograph of Walleys Quarry, taken in April 2025

1 April 2025

As part of the steps we have arranged at Walleys Quarry to remove the risk of serious pollution, our contractors have begun removing surface water accumulated in the void area adjacent to the western flank of the site, where there have also been signs of slippage under the capping.

Our contractors have made a small slit in the capping, which was identified as having been stretched more than we had anticipated. This is to facilitate drainage of the leachate that had built up behind it. The drainage is likely to last several days.

The leachate will be disposed of offsite appropriately. These works may lead to a temporary increase in odour around the site.

This week (week commencing 31 March 2025) our contractors will continue work in the void area. You may see additional machinery and materials arriving on site.

You may see Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (Staffs FRS) vehicles arriving at the site on today (Tuesday 1 April). This is part of a routine, planned visit. The vehicles will be present so that Staffs FRS officers are able to respond immediately to any off-site calls they may receive.

13 March 2025

In our update on 5 March 2025 we explained that the Environment Agency has discretionary powers to arrange for steps to be taken on site to remove the risk of serious pollution.

Work will be carried out by contractors on the site including:

  • Securing the site to prevent access by trespassers, who could damage the infrastructure necessary to manage emissions.

  • Installing temporary capping, to a small area of previously deposited waste. This was required by the Closure Notice, but was not completed by Walleys Quarry Ltd. The area is in the same location where bubbling liquid can be seen on recent drone footage. The liquid will be removed by tankers to allow this work to take place. You can expect to see these tankers from today.

  • Remedial work to improve the stability of waste near the western flank. There has been some localised slippage, and this work will help protect the integrity of capping in that area.

  • A review of current arrangements and, subject to that, possible alterations to ensure that the surface water is managed effectively.

  • Actions to manage the groundwater under the site and leachate levels within the capped area, to avoid harm to the integrity of the landfill containment system.

5 March 2025

The liquidators of Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL) have informed us that they have disclaimed the environmental permits held by WQL. This means that the environmental permits, for the landfill and the soil treatment activity, no longer exist. The Environment Agency cannot object to a liquidator disclaiming an environmental permit or any other property owned by a company.

The Environment Agency has attended the landfill and assessed it and do not consider that this presents an immediate risk of serious pollution, which includes harm to human health.

CLP Envirogas Limited is continuing to operate the onsite landfill gas management system. The latest data from the Mobile Monitoring Facilities confirms that levels of fugitive landfill gas outside the site are low.

Officers have identified there is still some work to do in respect of the infrastructure steps in the Closure Notice.

The Environment Agency has discretionary powers, to arrange for steps to be taken to remove the risk of serious pollution. We are liaising with specialist contractors who we expect to be onsite to take such steps as appropriate in the near future.

Page last updated: 20 Nov 2025, 01:12 PM