Wisbech Port Ltd is looking for permission to store 75,000 tonnes of waste
Consultation is currently running on an application by the Port of Wisbech for a bespoke permit that will allow it to store up 75,000 tonnes of baled waste a year.
Port of Wisbech Ltd, which has owned the site since 2004, has applied to the Environment Agency for the specialist permit to allow the operation of a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)Waste Transfer Station at the port.
An application document drawn up by Tetra Tech Ltd on behalf of Port of Wisbech Ltd explains the intention is for the firm to store the RDF bales prior to exporting them to the near continent.
RDF fuel is produced from combustible components that the industry calls Municipal Solid Waste – MSW for short. This waste, usually taken from industrial or commercial sites, is shredded, dried, baled, and then finally burned to produce electricity.
However, the application makes it clear that whilst the port will store up to 75,000 tonnes of RDF a year, outdoors, there will be no waste processing undertaken on the site, just the storage pending export.
Because the waste will be stored outdoors, the Port of Wisbech needs a bespoke environmental permit.
An Environmental Risk Assessment has been prepared to consider the potential impact of the proposed activity.
Tetra Tech says in its document that the application is accompanied by all relevant documentation, as required by the regulations, and in the format set out in the Environment Agency’s (EA) guidance documents.
Tetra Tech also explain that Port of Wisbech Ltd initially purchased the site in 2004 and have since been running an established load and discharge operation.
It currently holds the sole stevedoring licence from Fenland District Council enabling the company to load and un-load all the ships that use Port of Wisbech.
The Site predominantly stores timber product within the ownership boundary. Due to the nature of this activity a permit has not been required at the site.
The documents included with the application include a fire prevention plan, and an environmental risk assessment.
Tetra Tech says the application is for bespoke permit for the operation of a Waste Transfer Station that will accept a up to 75,000 tonnes per annum of both baled RDF per annum.
It adds: “As such there is no intention to accept any waste streams that are putrescible in nature and therefore the risk of odour is expected to be low. However, following pre-application advice, an Odour Management Plan has been provided to support the application to address how the risk of odour from the proposed activities will be minimised.”
A noise management plan has also been drawn up that describes what measures will be put in place to minimise the risk of noise from the proposed activities.
To have your say on the application you can visit the Environment Agency’s website and search Port of Wisbech Ltd.
The consultation closes on February 27.
