Fears grow over secret plans for Mersey incinerators

Oct 19 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

A SECRET plan for two rubbish incinerators has been drawn up by the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority.

The preferred options are understood to be a site next to wood recycling firm Sonae UK on Moss Lane on Kirkby industrial estate, and at Gillmoss Transfer Station on Stonebridge Lane, Liverpool.

It is thought around eight sites have been examined, but four are about to be short-listed. Another in Knowsley is under consideration and insiders in Sefton Council say they fear a site in their area is also being looked at.

Last night the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA) refused to confirm locations but said it was seek-ing to “develop two large sites for waste facilities to process household waste.”

One Sefton councillor said members had been sent an email warning them not to talk about the subject because of confidentiality reasons.

The councillor, who did not wish to be named, said: “We are worried it is being kept secret and an incinerator is earmarked for Sefton.

“We are worried about the effect it would have on the community.”

MWDA is sorting out new waste management contracts, as the existing ones expire next year. Part of that strategy will mean new facilities for processing and managing waste will have to be built. It said it would undertake a detailed consultation process.

In 2009 new landfill taxes come in that will mean that if Merseyside does not reduce its waste mountain it could be faced with fines of up to £30m.

The MWDA said it had identified a number of sites and was in discussion with landowners and local councils regarding their suitability.

Kirkby residents have com-plained about the Sonae UK factory over health concerns and an incinerator next door would not be welcomed.

But Carl Beer, Director of Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority said: “This process has a long timescale attached to it and we are in the early stages of discussions.ŠThe sites that are being consider-ed may not be the final locations of new facilities.”

davidbartlett