The Barry Dock Waste Wood Incinerator has recently recommenced commissioning after a period of inaction for unexplained reasons. 12 months ago, when the plant began commissioning, Barry residents feared that the Operator was playing fast and loose with their health. These fears have now proved to be a reality.

Documents recently disclosed reveal that the Operator Biomass UK no2.Ltd. (BUK2) breached their permit between the 11^th and 18^th March 2018

CAR NRW

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Over the weekend of 10^th and 11^th March 2018 Barry residents complained about noise and black smoke from the BUK2 incinerator. NRW investigated and found the following:

Here are the 4 listed breaches (see the documents on this page for further info)

1. Failure to minimise the risk of pollution by using sufficient competent persons and resources during operation.
2. Failure to take appropriate measures to limit emissions of dark smoke.

The ‘burner technican/engineer was not available on site’ and there was a ‘reluctance to shut down’. NRW say the dark smoke continued until 17^th March. Barry residents were still posting pictures and videos of the ongoing pollution incident until the end of March 2018.

3. Failure to use appropriate measures to prevent or minimise noise during operation.

Noise levels may have been up to 95db ‘ which might prove to be less acceptable even during the daytime’ but NRW’s key finding is that BUK2 did not consider or check offsite noise levels.

4. Failure to notify NRW of incidents which could have an adverse environmental effect.

This is classed as a minor breach of the permit condition.

The people of Barry are horrified to learn that they were exposed to this air and noise pollution and that it was allowed to continue as long as it did. The Operator claims that black smoke from the burning of heavy diesel oil occurred from 10^th March 2018 until the 17^th but residents were posting videos and pictures of it continuing to happen right until the end of the month.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/769152493162625/

The worrying thing is that NRW have to rely on the Operator to report themselves. And they didn’t! Only the complaints of the residents gave rise to this investigation by NRW.

As regards the noise levels, NRW cannot substantiate anything the operator claims because they ‘did not consider or check offsite noise levels’. NRW say they may have been up to 95decibels which is about the equivalent sound of a Boeing737 a mile from landing. This noise is liable to cause ear damage.

 

There is no way of knowing the amount of highly dangerous diesel particulates and nitrogen dioxide that were pumped into the air that we breathe for nearly a month, or what damage this has already caused to both healthy and vulnerable people. It makes a mockery of national air targets. It is unacceptable that people in their homes should be subjected to this level of noise. Don’t forget that the Environmental Impact of this plant has not been properly assessed and planning permission has still not been granted for the operation of this incinerator. It should be shelved until the law is complied with.

 

The very fact that the highly dangerous work was being carried out without a competent manager on site is frankly terrifying. I should imagine that more experienced operators would not countenance such a risk, how can this be allowed to happen?

 

We have seen a document dated January 2018 in which the Operator set out its ‘Communication Strategy’ – very little of this has been implemented – it ain’t working Steve!  DIAG have offered to pay for a public meeting so that the Operator can reassure the residents of Barry that they truly have our best interests at heart. Surely now is a very good time to step forward into the light?