Fleetwood landfill operators Transwaste issue update on work to tackle vile odour issue
Permanent capping has begun to seal the cell at the centre of foul odours that have plagued Fleetwood.
The controversial Jameson Road site, operated by Transwaste, is blamed for a stench drifting across the town - with many residents claiming it is affecting their health and quality of life.
Contractors and heavy materials were on site yesterday to start the task of installing permanent capping.
A spokesperson for Transwaste confirmed: “This will involve the laying and welding of the impermeable geomembrane liner which will then be covered with a layer of clay and finally soils to completely seal the cell and resolve the odour issue.
“However the work is weather-dependent as it is not possible to weld the membrane in the rain.”
The company also confirmed there are still two more cells that need to be filled so that the site can reach final approved contours, be permanently capped and closed down.
That construction started before Christmas but was paused due to bad weather.
Transwaste said: “It restarted again this week but there is more bad weather - rain - forecast for next week.
“Cell 8 is still in the design stage, and hopefully the plans will be submitted to the Environment Agency in the next couple of weeks for their approval.”
The site entrance was blocked on Friday by local people protesting that the site be shut down.
They claim their health is being affected by the odour which smells like rotten eggs, scientifically its from sulphur compounds.
The Environement Agency is monitoring the situation closely including complaints from the public.
Sulphur compounds can be generated through the breakdown of non-hazardous mixed waste. This is detectable and commonly referred to as landfill gas odour.
The EA confirmed that on Friday January 30 a regulatory enforcement notice was served on Transwaste.
This notice required the operator to ensure that areas of the landfill were adequately covered to reduce the risk of odour.
They stated: “The operators are currently importing cover materials like soils and clays to prevent further release of odour and this is being monitored by the Environment Agency to ensure the covering is adequate.
“We are also reviewing what further long‑term actions and changes may be required prevent this issue from happening again at the Jameson Road Landfill Site.”
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