In September 2019, the Environment Agency (EA) audited Sembcorp’s process for disposing of Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) and found that it had incorrectly been categorised it as non-hazardous and disposed of incorrectly as a result.
Further investigation found that the mistake had been taking place since at least 2015.
An independent report from a company instructed by Sembcorp concluded that – while the IBA should have been classified as hazardous – there was no significant risk to human health or the environment as a result of the wrong disposal. The EA agreed with this conclusion.
An “Enforcement Undertaking” is a voluntary offer made by companies or individuals after committing an offence. The power station submitted a proposal to the Environment Agency (EA) to make the payment to the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. The charity has said the money will be used for a woodland restoration project.
Ian Preston, installations team leader at the EA in the North East, said: “We always consider enforcement options on a case by case basis and Enforcement Undertakings allow companies to put right what went wrong and contribute to environmental improvements and outcomes.
“In this case the payment has allowed a planned and important community project to be delivered at pace – an environmental investment that has enhanced the local area for people and wildlife.”
Sembcorp Utilities operates a biomass power station at Wilton. As a result of the infringement of its Environmental Permit, it will also be amending its operating procedures to ensure waste is disposed of correctly in future.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust restoration project
The Lazenby Bank Woodland Restoration Project focuses on improvements to 215 acres of woodland near Wilton International industrial complex at Teesside.
The restoration project includes clearing unmanaged coniferous woodland to restore habitats where ancient woodland is present, seeding and re-planting native trees, improving access to the site and community engagement projects.
The Trust will also use the funds to carry out river channel management over three years at nearby Coatham Marsh nature reserve to maintain good habitat conditions for wildlife.
Tom Harman, chief executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, added: “It’s vital to see funds like this being reinvested into protecting our landscapes for people and wildlife.
“Lazenby Bank Woodland and Coatham Marsh are incredible nature assets for our communities in the Tees Valley. The project will help restore nationally important habitats for priority species and secure improvements for public access.”
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