"Viridor is committed to on-going open dialogue with the local community and takes any concerns of residents seriously. As well as the modifications to the building design, Viridor has undertaken extensive studies to assess factors such as noise, traffic and emission levels"
Dan Cooke, external affairs manager at Viridor
Dunbar, Scotland: Following a period of public consultation, Viridor Waste Management announced earlier this week, amendments to its initial proposal for an Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power facility (EfW-CHP). The company proposes to develop the facility at Oxwellmains landfill site, Dunbar.
Following a series of consultation meetings, public exhibitions, a dedicated website and leaflets informing the local community, Viridor says it has taken comments on board and substantially modified the design of the building.
The proposed EfW building will now have a curved, split level roof line which is intended to soften the outline of the building so that it blends more effectively with its surroundings. Viridor says that the exterior colouring of the building will also assist with this aim. This is in addition to the siting of the plant in an area low lying compared to surrounding ground levels.
Viridor says that 64 per cent of local residents who provided written feedback were in favour of the development - conditionally or unconditionally - or are neutral.
Artistic impression of the earlier Oxwellmains Efw proposal, which will now be modified to have a curved, split level roof line. (Picture: Viridor)
Issues raised by the public included potential noise, traffic and air quality. One frequently cited issue regarded the visual impact of the proposed facility, according to the company.
An additional study to investigate possible improvements to the road junction to the site, has been commissioned by Viridor following feedback from local residents.
A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has also been conducted for the site and will form part of the planning application.
The company says it has listened carefully to consultation responses and has since adapted the plans which are intended to be submitted to the planning authority on 7 January 2008.
The proposed development
The proposed energy from waste (efw) plant is expected to process around 450,000 tonnes of waste a year and deliver 34 MW of electricity to the National Grid. In addition heat would be made available to local businesses and, potentially, new homes making it a combined heat and power (CHP) facility.
The facility will treat residual waste, i.e that remaining after recyclable and compostable materials have been removed.
It is expected that 47 jobs will be created by the development of the new plant should it receive planning clearance.
The proposed site lies within Viridor’s non-hazardous landfill at Oxwellmains, approximately 4.5km south east of Dunbar. It is located between the Lafarge Cement Works and Torness Power Station. The site is well screened from view in a lightly populated area and has excellent road and rail access, according to Viridor.
It is proposed that there will be increased use of rail transport for waste materials destined for the site wherever possible.
Dan Cooke, external affairs manager at Viridor, said;
“Viridor is committed to on-going open dialogue with the local community and takes any concerns of residents seriously. As well as the modifications to the building design, Viridor has undertaken extensive studies to assess factors such as noise, traffic and emission levels.
“All local authorities in Scotland have to meet demanding European targets for reducing the amount of waste they send to landfill under the 2002 Landfill Directive. The use of EfW combined with maximum practical levels of recycling and composting is an essential element to help Scotland move towards improved resource efficiency and better waste management.”