Environment Agency Wales has received an application from a Swansea Valley factory to operate a power plant that uses waste to generate electricity.
Vale Europe Ltd currently operates a nickel refinery in Clydach and plans to operate a “pyrolysis” plant at the same location.
It has asked Environment Agency Wales to change its permit so it can operate the plant which would produce gas from waste to fuel engines and generate electricity.
The Agency will now assess the proposal to see if the proposed operation would pose a risk to local people or the environment.
During this assessment, the Agency will consult with other organisations and local businesses before making a decision.
If its assessment shows that the proposed activities could cause harm, it will not change the company’s Environmental Permit.
If the application does meet the criteria, the Agency will enforce strict operating standards and procedures on the new activities at the site.
Steve Brown from Environment Agency Wales, said:
“We will thoroughly investigate whether the new activities proposed at this site will impact on the local environment or community.
“We will only allow the changes to the company’s Environmental Permit if we are sure that the environment and people’s health will be protected.
"If we do allow the operation of a pyrolysis plant at the site, it will have to conform to the highest environmental standards.”
Local people are invited to put their view forward on the application by Thursday 12th July. They can do this by visiting the website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/valeeuropeswansea.
The application is also available to view on the public register at Environment Agency Wales’ offices in Maes Newydd, Llandarcy, Neath Port Talbot SA10 6JQ.
People can inspect the public register between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except on Bank Holidays).
A copy is also available at the City and County of Swansea Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.
If people want to view the public register or request a copy of they should call 01792 325571 or email: external_relations_sww@environment-agency.gov.uk
