The Environment Agency has suspended part of the environmental permit for a waste recycling site in Portsmouth after inspectors identified a series of failures to control dust emissions that posed a risk to human health and the environment.
The suspension, which took effect on 20th July, prevents Emmersons Transport Ltd from carrying out physical treatment of waste, including crushing and screening, until measures are in place to remove the pollution risk.
The action follows an inspection on 7th July as part of Operation Unite, an 18-week nationwide enforcement campaign targeting permitted waste sites suspected of involvement in criminal activity.
Inspectors found a number of breaches relating to dust management at the Hilsea site. Waste was being stored in piles up to five metres high, exceeding the three-metre limit set out in the site’s environmental permit. They also found that site surfaces were not being adequately cleaned, vehicles leaving the site were not being pressure washed, and materials were not being sufficiently dampened to prevent dust becoming airborne.
The Environment Agency also identified changes to the site’s crushing equipment that increased the likelihood of dust escaping. A crusher had been moved so that its conveyor belt no longer discharged into the main building, while damaged perimeter netting contained gaps that allowed dust to leave the site.
Officials said the operation presented a risk of pollution from dust, including inhalable particles that can affect human health.
The site is located on a busy industrial estate surrounded by other businesses and close to environmentally sensitive areas, including the Hilsea Lines Local Wildlife Site and the Solent and Dorset Coast Special Protection Area. The Environment Agency said dust deposits could affect these protected habitats.
The company has been instructed to complete a series of corrective actions by 31st July. These include relocating the crusher, reducing the height of waste stockpiles, repairing the perimeter netting and installing effective misting systems to suppress dust.
The suspension will remain in force until the Environment Agency is satisfied that the risk of pollution has been removed. Failure to comply with the notice is an offence under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
Area Environment Manager Michael Turner of the Environment Agency said: ‘Emmersons Transport LTD have failed to limit harmful dust emissions, placing neighbouring businesses and important local habitats at risk.
‘We suspended waste processing activities at this site and will not allow them to resume until the necessary improvements have been made.’
Emmersons Transport Ltd has the right to appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate within two months. However, any appeal does not suspend the requirements of the notice, meaning the company must still carry out the required improvements while the appeal process is ongoing.
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