Home / Environment / Westbury Whiff Returns: Firm Faces Legal Action Over Smell
Westbury Whiff Returns: Firm Faces Legal Action Over Smell
30 Jun
Summary
- Environment Agency considers legal action against waste firm.
- Faulty bio-filter blamed for the return of the 'Westbury Whiff'.
- The waste facility is currently not compliant with its permit.
The Environment Agency (EA) has indicated it may pursue legal enforcement against Hills Waste Solutions (HWS) concerning a persistent odor issue at its household waste facility in Westbury, Wiltshire. This renewed smell, locally known as the 'Westbury Whiff,' has led to the EA's intervention.
HWS, which operates the Northacre Mechanical Biological Treatment plant, attributes the odor's return to a malfunction in its recently installed bio-filter. The company confirmed it is actively collaborating with the EA to resolve the ongoing problem.
An EA spokesperson confirmed that the site is currently failing to meet the requirements of its environmental permit. The agency has observed a significant increase in odor levels this week, directly linking it to the continuous issues with the bio-filter system.
