The site, at St Ives near Cambridge, is well-known for its composting research and opened last year. However, a warning was issued after an Environment Agency inspection of the site in August after gypsum was found at the site in contravention of the waste management licence.
In a statement made to letsrecycle.com Patrick Pierrepont, managing director of Envar which is part of the ADAS group, said: “Following a routine inspection by the Environment Agency in August 2005, I confirm that ADAS was served with a warning for what the Environment Agency described as a very minor breach of the site licence at our St Ives composting facility.”
Some waste management licences and exemptions state that gypsum can be used on site, but ADAS did not have this type of licence. Mr Pierrepont accepted that the gypsum was taken on site in a powder form “contrary to the terms of the licence”.
Mr Pierrepont went on to say: “ADAS fully recognises and respects the position of the Environment Agency as a regulatory authority and we are committed to working closely with them to ensure our activity continues to fully meet the appropriate and stringent regulations which apply to it.”
Gypsum, which is used to make plasterboard, can be classed as a hazardous material. However, certain forms of it are used by composters in the blending process for reasons including the adjusting of acidity levels. To do this, compost sites must have the relevant permits.
Emily Nichols, technical manager for the Composting Association, said: “Some companies are licensed to use gypsum on site but some gypsum waste may be classed as hazardous. Biological processes such as composting are not permitted to accept any wastes classed as hazardous.”
Ms Nichols added that that the effect of too much gypsum could slow down the rate of degradation of material being composted.
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