Study launched into impact of landfill odours

Walleys Quarry landfill has been the subject of thousands of complaints since late 2020

An independent study has been commissioned into the effects of emissions from a landfill site.

Staffordshire County Council said researchers would speak to residents, businesses and schools in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, about the impact of the ongoing issues around Walleys Quarry on mental and physical health.

They will also consider the impact of the landfill’s gas emissions have had on children’s education, the local economy, community safety and house prices.

A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry said the landfill’s operators were focused on minimising its impacts on the community around the site.

A survey will be conducted by Arcadis Consulting, with results due to be published later in the year, the council said.

The project is being led by Dr Richard Harling, who said authorities were aware that gas emissions from the landfill had caused health symptoms for some residents and that the persistent unpleasant odour had affected some people's wellbeing.

Local residents have previously staged protests over the gas emissions at Walleys Quarry

"The sustained nature of this problem is very unusual and it’s possible that some of the consequences are less obvious than others," he said.

"Residents, community groups, schools and businesses will be contacted in coming weeks and there will be a mixture of approaches to explore their experiences and form an independent assessment.

"We also want to understand how living with this problem has affected the community in other ways, how it may have affected local schools, businesses, and whether people have struggled to sell their homes since this became national news."

There have been a large number of complaints about odours coming from the landfill since late 2020.

In April this year, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council asked the government for permission to pursue legal action against the landfill, accusing its owners of failing to properly control emissions from the site.

In January, the Environment Agency said it was not satisfied the operator was taking sufficient steps to put a stop to the foul-smelling gas emissions.

A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry said the landfill was stringently regulated by the Environment Agency to ensure the onsite activities do not cause harm to human health or the environment.

"We play a vital role in offering residual waste disposal supporting wider recycling services," they added.

"The team is focused on managing the site to minimise impacts to community around the site and we will continue to do so."