The North Yorkshire eyesore has attracted criticism from local residents who have been campaigning to see it removed since site owner Wagstaff Total Waste Management collapsed in July.
There are also concerns over local air quality following a number of fires that have flared up periodically in the heap since it was abandoned.
And, the ongoing flare ups have also meant that safety fire tests being implemented by the Wood Recyclers’ Association a few miles from Great Heck at a site in Pollington are on hold.
Speaking on the Radio 4 Today programme this morning, residents complained that the heap is “getting worse by the day, by the week” and said the “acrid” odour was filling their homes.
Agency
Addressing the issue, the Environment Agency has released a joint statement alongside the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Selby district council and North Yorkshire county council.
In it, the organisations claim that an agreement has been reached to clear the material from the site, although they state that the issue is “complex” and that clearance will come at a substantial cost.
The statement reads: “We understand that you will be anxious to know more details around any planned work and its impact on the local area. The tactical co-ordinating group is currently working on an implementation plan to see to address the issues on the site.
“We will be looking to recover the costs from those responsible.”
Air quality on the site will meanwhile continue to be monitored by environmental experts but the organisations have argued the ongoing risk to public health is likely to be low.
It adds: “Any smoke can be an irritant and, in areas which are affected by smoke, residents should stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed.”
Fire Tests
Coincidentally, situation has also forced the Wood Recyclers’ Association to further delay fire tests which it has been planning to carry out in the coming weeks in conjunction with the fire services in nearby Pollington due to fears over local residents’ concern about smoke levels.
A rescheduled date has not yet been announced for the tests, which are intended to help inform regulations on stack sizes and separation distances for waste wood. The WRA said the Great Heck mixed waste fire showed the need for better regulation in the waste industry.
Based in Great Heck, Wagstaff Total Waste Management ran a waste and recycling service which included a fleet of roll-on, roll-off skip vehicles that can “respond quickly to adhoc requests or provide longer term, contracted services”.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, the firm could not be reached for comment.
Subscribe for free