Environmental issues

The proposal has taken into account the full range of environmental matters, and an Environmental Impact Assessment is being prepared, which will be submitted as part of the planning application.

Community and social effects

The Trumps Farm EfW facility will operate for at least 25 years. It will provide a cost effective solution for waste disposal for the county, create up to 150 temporary construction jobs and 45 long term operational jobs. The facility could also offer additional energy benefits to local businesses and residents in the future through combined heat and power projects. Surrey Waste Management will work to be a good neighbour and will provide waste management information and education at the on-site visitor centre.

Air quality

Emissions from the EfW are strictly monitored and regulated by the Environment Agency under an Enviromental Permit (formerly a Pollution Prevention Control Permit). The Permit is required before the facility can begin operating and sets the emissions standards to be achieved. The facility will also have to comply with the air quality requirements of the EU Waste Incineration Directive. Monitoring is undertaken 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Landscape and Visual Impact

A full landscape and visual appraisal has been undertaken which indicates that the proposed facility will be visible from some local viewpoints. The varied topography of the site and the surrounding mature woodland helps to limit the visual impact and the impact on the Green Belt. The existing woodland will be enhanced with additional planting. Where possible, mature trees will be retained and new woodland areas will be created.

Ecology

Independent studies have shown that the site holds limited conservation value. However, there is a copse within the site that has some ecological value and the proposal seeks to retain the majority of trees.

There are important international nature conservation areas nearby including Thorpe Park, Windsor Forest and Great Park, Chobham Common. Full environmental assessments are being carried out on all these sites but preliminary assessments indicate that there will be no significant impact on the ecology of the site or the surrounding area. Landscaping, planting and the creation of a wetland will minimise any minor adverse impacts.

Water

Measures will be taken to lessen the effects of floods and droughts, i.e. the sedum roof will help to reduce rainwater run-off, minimising flood risks downstream and surface water run-off will be used to recharge the aquifer. Surface water will not be discharged to surface water drains although some will be collected in a pond adjacent to the building, providing 1000 cubic metres for site use purposes.