The alternative proposal, approved by Hertfordshire’s cabinet includes plans for an energy from waste facility at Rye House in Hoddesdon on land owned by Tarmac Aggregates. Veolia will now begin work on a planning application which it hopes to submit towards the end of the year.
Veolia had been forced to submit an alternative plan for the delivery of its £800 million waste treatment contract with the county council after having had planning approval for a proposed 380,000 tonnes-per-year capacity energy from waste plant at New Barnfield thrown out.
In looking to the Hoddesdon location, Veolia has resurrected plans that had originally been put forward to develop a facility on the site in 2011. This was part of its bid for the North London Waste Authority’s treatment contract, which was subsequently dropped.
Technology
According to the council, the new proposal will use “technology which is proven, reliable and will be compliant with all legislative requirements including environmental controls and legislation”. The plant will be designed to meet R1 ‘recovery’ status and be combined heat and power (CHP) enabled.
The new facility will have the capacity to handle 320,000 tonnes of residual waste per year – with the council agreeing to a minimum guaranteed tonnage of 135,000 tonnes per year.
Disposal
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Waste Management at Hertfordshire County Council said: “We need to find a long term solution for disposing of Hertfordshire’s residual waste and it is essential that this is a cost effective and appropriate solution. After a detailed evaluation and examination of alternative options we believe Veolia’s Revised Project Plan (RPP) offers the best value for money.
“The proposed site will divert 97% of waste away from landfill which is good news and at the same time will substantially reduce the emissions associated with our existing waste transport arrangements. So as well as providing good value for money for Hertfordshire tax payers, it’s a better environmental choice.
“In an ideal world all waste would be reused or recycled and Hertfordshire’s residents are doing a great job but with current recycling rates around 50% and significant housing growth expected in the county we have to plan for an on-going, value for money and suitable way of disposing of the residual waste we continue to produce. We believe this energy from waste facility is the most appropriate way to do that.”
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