Environment Agency consultation start on Javelin Park

Post date: May 17, 2012 8:28:28 AM

** UPDATE - Stroud drop in added, Ebley Mill, 14th June **

Start of Environment Agency Consultation

The Environment Agency's (EA) consultation on the Javelin Park incinerator begins tomorrow (18/5) and will last for 7 weeks, closing on 6th July.

Ultimately it will be for the EA to devide whether or not it will grant a license to Urbaser Balfour Beatty to operate the incinerator proposed for Javelin Park. Hence this consulation is an important phase in determining the outcome to the incinerator proposal, alongside the decision to be made by Gloucestershire County Council regarding the planning application already submitted earlier in the year by Urbaser Balfour Beatty.This is still under consideration and is likely to be so for some weeks to come.

A crucial factor

The EA's decision making process and ultimate decision will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome. As was highlighted in this morning's feature on BBC Radio Gloucestershire (link will be posted later) regarding the planning application, Gloucestershire County Council:

1. bought and own the land at Javelin Park, and
2. are running the project aiming to deliver the incinerator to deal with Gloucestershire's waste , and
3. GCC are also the authority that will make the decision on whether to grant planning permission.

Despite the intention to segregate duties at the Council,there is quite evidently a risk of conflict of interest and of bias within the County Council given that they are effectively "marking their own homework" when it comes to the application. As such the more independent position held by the Environment Agency could be particularly important.

Airing Views during Consultation

The EA are holding 2 drop sessions where EA staff will be available to discuss any concerns and questions on a first come first served basis. If you would like to pre-book a 20 minute appointment then contact the EA on 01743 283410 or at midswest@environment-agency.gov.uk

Drop in sessions

If you can’t make the drop in sessions you can view and make your comments on the application from 18 May on the e-consultation webpage at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal (the consultation will not appear in the list until 18 May)

You can also view this information at the EA Tewkesbury office, or request a CD copy by contacting the EA Public Register Coordinator on 01743 283410 or email midswest@environment-agency.gov.uk

Or you can comment by email to psc@environment-agency.gov.uk or in writing to PSC-EP team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4FW.

You can also view this information at the EA Tewkesbury office, or request a CD copy by contacting the EA Public Register Coordinator on 01743 283410 or email midswest@environment-agency.gov.uk

Or you can comment by email to psc@environment-agency.gov.uk or in writing to PSC-EP team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4FW.

See the EA webpage at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/javelinpark for more information.