Calls for action at Hafod landfill site amid residents fears

Since October 2023, the Hafod landfill site in Johnstown has been subject of a number of complaints from residents due to an ongoing rotten egg smell. 

Complaints have been made to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as well as the site operator Enovert, by local councillor David A Bithell and Ken Skates MS.  

A statutory notice was issued on December 21, 2023 by NRW to Enovert. Despite the notice being issued late last year, issues persist in Johnstown, with residents still complaining about the ongoing smell they're facing on a daily basis.

Hafod landfill site. (Image: Cllr David A Bithell)Wrexham Council's Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee met in October to discuss the ongoing issues.

Now, Cllr Bithell, who represents Pant and Johnstown ward says action is needed, amid concerns from residents over their health and wellbeing.

Cllr Bithell said: "Following the recent public scrutiny of Hafod Landfill, I raised several issues to the committee who agreed to several recommendations, including air quality monitoring, and liaising with Public Health Wales.

"I am pleased that Public Protection officers from the Council have met with agencies (NRW, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales) to discuss the request to investigate air quality impacts in the local community, relating to emissions from the landfill site.

"It has been agreed by all parties that we look at the possibility of installing remote real time air quality monitoring devices to assess the presence of gasses associated with landfill operations. I hope this is carried up quickly as the report is scheduled to come back to Scrutiny committee in April.

"I understand that some residents have expressed worries with regards to possible health effects relating to the emissions. Both PHW and BCUHB have advised that residents with such concerns should contact their GPs to discuss symptoms who may be able to identify possible health impacts. 

David A Bithell.

"Something needs to be done to reassure residents of their health and wellbeing as the odour has been emanating from the site for over 12 months. We need action and we need all regulatory bodies to act.

"In the meantime, please continue to report odours to NRW 03000 65 3000."

Lyndsey Rawlinson, Head of North East Wales Operations for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), said: “We understand the significant concern in the local community regarding the odour issues in Johnstown. Our officers continue to conduct regular inspections at Hafod Landfill Site to check the landfill is being operated in accordance with its Environmental Permit, this includes conditions relating to the control of odour.

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"In November, NRW conducted a detailed audit of landfill gas management, the findings of which will be made available on our public register in due course.  The site operator is actively working on enhancing the collection of landfill gas to minimise odour emissions. Additionally, we are currently reviewing the site operator’s updated management procedures and their newly submitted action plan.

“We encourage residents to report any odours believed to be coming from the landfill by contacting us at 0300 065 3000 or via the 'Report It' form on our website. Reports are invaluable in helping us monitor and address these concerns effectively. Whenever people are concerned about their personal health, they should visit their General Practitioner (GP) or contact NHS Direct on 111 or Home - NHS Wales.”

Mark Silvester, CEO of Enovert, said: "Enovert has not been involved in the discussions but as Operator of the Hafod site we will of course assist Wrexham’s public protection officers, NRW and PHW as may be needed.

"We’re due to hold our regular liaison meeting, which Wrexham CBC, NRW and local Councillors including Councillor Bithell are invited to attend, so hopefully more detail can be shared then about what is planned and the timescales involved."