Home / Environment / MP Demands Fleetwood Landfill Closure Amid River Pollution Fears
MP Demands Fleetwood Landfill Closure Amid River Pollution Fears
16 Dec
Summary
- An MP calls for the Fleetwood landfill's closure due to persistent rotten egg smells.
- The Environment Agency is investigating a liquid discharge into the nearby River Wyre.
- Leachate presence in the River Wyre raises environmental and health concerns.
Fleetwood's landfill on Jameson Road is facing significant pressure for closure, spearheaded by MP Lorraine Beavers, who stated the sooner it shuts, the better for the environment. Her comments follow an ongoing investigation by the Environment Agency into a 'small liquid discharge' found in the nearby River Wyre, with samples currently undergoing analysis.
Concerns have been amplified by the reported presence of leachate, a toxic liquid that seeps from landfills, in the River Wyre. While the operator, Transwaste, maintains that waste is screened and the site is fully lined to prevent escapes, the MP has highlighted the historic nature of the site and the potential for hazardous substances.
The landfill was 'mothballed' in July, indicating a gradual closure process. Despite this, it is slated to continue operations until 2027. This news comes after a May report from the Environment Agency deemed the site safe, even amidst thousands of resident complaints about foul odors and associated illnesses.
