The Environment Agency has proposed approving an environmental permit for the giant incinerator that could be built in Wisbech.  

A final decision on whether the controversial scheme for Algores Way will be given the go-ahead is expected from the government on February 21. 

But yesterday (Thursday) the Environment Agency launched its own consultation asking for the public’s views on draft documentation specifically related to the development’s environmental permit.  

“We are minded to grant the permit to the applicant,” says the draft decision document uploaded to the consultation platform. 

“This will allow it to operate the installation, subject to the conditions in the permit.”

John O’Neill, an installations team leader for the Environment Agency, explained: “In assessing this permit, we have completed a detailed and rigorous assessment of Medworth CHP Limited’s application. 

“This has allowed us to ensure the operating techniques and control measures at the proposed facility comply with the legal requirements of an environmental permit.   

“Such permits are used to protect people and the environment.”  

This is the Environment Agency’s second public consultation related to the environmental permit; another took place last summer.  

It specifically wants to hear people’s views on the contents of a 46-page draft environmental permit and 158-page draft final decision document before the decision is official.

Both are available on the online consultation pages.

Wisbech Standard: Environment secretary Steve Barclay at Algores Way, in Wisbech, close to where a giant incinerator could be built. Environment secretary Steve Barclay at Algores Way, in Wisbech, close to where a giant incinerator could be built. (Image: Stephen Barclay)Environment secretary Steve Barclay, who is also the MP in the Cambridgeshire constituency where the incinerator could be built, maintains he remains “strongly opposed” to the scheme.   

Speaking after he heard the Environment Agency had launched this latest consultation, he said: “From the very start I have been strongly opposed to this flawed proposal, which is the wrong scheme in the wrong place.   

“I continue to make representations to all relevant bodies, reinforcing the clear objections of our local community.”   

Campaign group Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN) says it is “shocked and disappointed” with the Environment Agency’s views.   

Spokesperson Ginny Bucknor said among their concerns is the “total disregard” that the scheme’s site lies within a Flood Zone 3, which has the highest possible risk of flooding.   

She added protected species have also been recorded at the site, including a rare spined loach fish only found in five East of England river catchments, water voles and turtle doves which are said to be close to extinction.  

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN) have frequently protested against the incinerator proposals. Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN) have frequently protested against the incinerator proposals. (Image: Ian Carter)Mrs Bucknor said: “At last year’s open hearings with the planning inspectorate, we heard from farmers about how the incinerator would impact their soft fruit crops.

“I also spoke about the 400 hectares of farmland which has the best quality soil in the country and makes the Fens a major producer of food for the country.  

“Fumes from the incinerator will travel all over this land and affect the quality of all this food. 

“I am shocked and disappointed the Environment Agency has proposed approving this permit.” 

The Environment Agency’s draft documents featured in the public consultation outline how the incinerator will handle household, commercial and industrial waste.   

The documents say the chimney outlets will be 84m high.  

There will be “two thermal treatment process lines” and the plant will be able to handle 625,600 tonnes per year in total and produce up to 60 MWe of electricity. 

Campaigners argue this is the equivalent of 350 lorry movements a day.   

The energy produced by the waste incineration is then converted into high pressure steam which drives turbines that produce electricity. 

Another controversial issue related to the site is the fact there are schools and land earmarked for hundreds of new homes nearby.  

Wisbech Standard: An early public hearing to discuss the Wisbech incinerator proposals.An early public hearing to discuss the Wisbech incinerator proposals. (Image: Newsquest)After months of public hearings, public consultations and site inspections, a recommendation has now been sent to the secretary of state for energy who decides if the plant with go ahead.  

Claire Coutinho currently holds this position.  

Earlier this week, she sent letters requesting further information to nine interested parties including the applicant, Eastern Power Networks, Fenland District Council, Wisbech Town Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.

Wisbech Standard: An early artist's impression of the giant incinerator which could be built in Wisbech.An early artist's impression of the giant incinerator which could be built in Wisbech. (Image: MVV Environment)A spokesperson for MVV Environment, the company backing the proposals, said: “MVV is pleased to see the draft of the environmental permit for its Medworth project has been published, and looks forward to a positive outcome.” 

It argues the plant would divert waste from landfills, generate electricity and supply steam to factories close to the site.