A LANDFILL site whose odour residents say makes them feel physically sick has not reached levels that are harmful to human health according to a new report.
Hafod landfill site near Johnstown has been under additional monitoring for six months after complaints from residents in Johnstown, Ruabon, Ponciau and Rhostyllen about the stench emanating from the dump.
Since October 16 last year there have been 57 complaints to Wrexham Council’s Public Protection department and 690 complaints made to Natural Resources Wales about the smells coming from the Enovert-operated site.
On Tuesday, April 29 Wrexham Council’s Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee will receive the first of a new monitoring report of the site which confirms that around 23% of the time the smell from the site reaches a level where people can detect a scent.
The report also states that the presence of hydrogen sulphide – the gas responsible for the landfill site’s odour – is nowhere near the level where it would cause human harm.
Sensors placed at Johnstown Community Centre measured gas levels in the air at 15 minute intervals. The highest level of hydrogen sulphide recorded was 17.97 parts per billion (ppb).
The safe exposure limit for hydrogen sulphide is between 10,000 and 20,000ppb.
But on 547 occasions the level of gas in the air exceeded 4ppb – the level at which 50% of people notice the smell it creates.
As a result councillors in the affected areas submitted a motion to Wrexham County Borough Council in February.
It asked the council to conduct a community concerns assessment to determine the impact on local people and demand ongoing, robust reporting of emissions.
It also sought a review of waste management at the site and possible alternatives, improved communication with the community and the establishment of the Hafod Landfill Stakeholder Group to receive regular reports and updates on progress at the site.
The motion was submitted by Johnstown and Pant councillors David A Bithell and Steve (Joe) Jones, Ponciau Cllr Paul Pemberton, Penycae Cllr John Phillips, Leader of the Council and Esclusham Cllr Mark Pritchard, Rhos Cllr Fred Roberts and Penycae and Ruabon South Cllr Alison Tynan. Wrexham Council voted in favour of it and this is the first update since that meeting.
“I am pleased that action is being taken to address significant concern rising from Hafod landfill site,” said Cllr Bithell. “The homes and environment scrutiny committee will receive an update on current position and resolution.
“Complaints have reduced however we need to understand the data from the monitoring equipment installed and impact this has on the local and surrounding communities. There are some outstanding actions arising from the motion and I will be pressing for answers.
“I hope the actions arising from the motion and work carried out to date starts to address concerns arising from the site.”
