Civil engineers demand answers to London waste issues

Following a public enquiry in 2003 and an inspector's report in 2004 recommending the plant be given the go-ahead because of the “overriding regional need and lack of time”, the government has chosen to wait for further consultation. (see letsrecycle.com story)

”We at ICE would like the government to explain how London is expected to deal with its waste if facilities like this are not going to be introduced“
– Nigel Mattravers, vice chairman of ICE's waste management board
The plant, which will have the potential to deal with more than 800,000 tonnes of waste per annum, is considered to be a key element of the Western Riverside Waste Authority contract which is run by Cory.

In a letter sent to environment minister Elliot Morley, ICE asked what steps he plans to take to ensure London can deal with ever increasing volumes of waste.

Nigel Mattravers, vice chairman of ICE's waste management board, said: “The amount of waste produced in London is currently growing by more than the national average of 3% a year. The Bexley plant would process well over half a million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually and could generate enough energy to supply over 66,000 homes.

“We at ICE would like the government to explain how London is expected to deal with its waste – particularly as the landfill option is phased out – if facilities like this are not going to be introduced,” he added.

Landfill Directive

Currently 72% of London's municipal solid waste, around three million tonnes, is transported to landfill sites, many of which are outside the capital. The EU Landfill Directive will mean this amount will have to be reduced to 800,000 tonnes by 2020.

Mr Mattravers said: “It is not just the disposal of waste and the production of energy that can be the benefits of these plants. The proposed position of this particular facility would mean the waste currently being transported down the river would stay on the river.

“This indecision could mean an extra 83,000 lorry movements a year on London's roads, some 290 lorries per working day. We at ICE would also like the government to explain what plans are being developed to deal with the growing congestion and environmental concerns posed by lorries transporting millions of tonnes of waste up and down the country every year,” he explained.