ARPLEY LANDFILL SITE
LIAISON MEETING
MINUTES OF MEETING 21 JANUARY 2009
Attendance
Councillor A Litton
David Ringwood
Councillor B Timmis
Roy Dixon
Robert Morris
Nick Blake
Garry Smith
Laura Sunderland
Matt Hayes
1. APOLOGIES
We received apologies from Nick Harbridge EA, Councillor Pat Wright, J Regan and Liz Smith.
2. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes from the previous meeting were noted as being a true and correct record.
3. MATTERS ARISING
Cllr Litton reported that the Warrington Borough Council vehicle count report is due, however RD and RM showed concern that the report would not be accurate. Cllr Litton assured that when the report is published he would question to guarantee a true recording.
NB reported that to aid the report WRG is providing Warrington Borough Council with vehicle surveys and weighbridge reports.
Cllr Litton enquired if the waste tarnsfer area for Warrington Borough Council on site is working and efficient. GS assured that the facility is fully operational and meeting its original aims.
4. WRG TECHNICAL REPORT
The WRG report was read out by GS. Cllr Litton invited questions on the report.
BT enquired if there was any odour coming from the Warrington Borough Council area and if it is cleared before site closes every day. GS explained how the facility is operated and reassured the queries.
BT enquired if wagon movements were likely to increase on present business. NB replied that Arpley is nearly at its input limit and that he does not expect inputs to increase.
Cllr Litton enquired if WRG has noticed any increase in waste inputs due to the recent economic situation and the reduction of recycling noticed in the media. GS and NB both stated that Arpley has not received any recyclable waste.
RM stated concern for Greater Manchester wagons leaving nets down on wagons and therefore creating a safety hazard. NB responded saying that legally it is the wagon driver who is responsible and also that some wagons are not equipped to put the nets back up once empty due to the wagons mechanics. GS meeting with Greater Manchester on the 22nd January 09 and will pass the concern on.
RM showed concern that wagons are parking on Liverpool road for breaks creating a hazard and a disturbance. Wagons in particular are Greater Manchester and Halton Borough Council vehicles at around 11am-2pm. This issue will be resolved by WRG contacting these customers.
Cllr Litton enquired if there is an area on site that we could use for wagons having breaks. NB responded that on site there is no room and also the lands topography is not suitable to construct an area.
5. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY REPORT
The Environment Agency has not produced a report or representative at the meeting.
Cllr Litton showed concern at the lack of attendance from the Environment Agency.
6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
NB suggested that the weighbridge opens at 7.30am. He stipulated that the wagons that were weighted before 8am would be stacked on site but would not deposit their waste until 8am. The purpose of this would be to reduce the amount of vehicles on the highway in the mornings.
BT and RM expressed strong concerns that this would make matters worse and encourage wagons to arrive earlier further.
Cllr Litton suggested that the weighbridge or the front gates into site would have the same affect by moving them rather than adjusting the opening times. Unfortunately this would not be feasible for WRG.
A trial was suggested which was rejected by RM and BT.
WRG is to conduct further research and if they deem it feasible will apply for planning permission, which will be objected by the local residents.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
BT enquired when WRG estimates the landfill will be full. NB replied with that it is hard to estimate due to the current economic climate, recycling, however an approximate estimate of 10-15 years can be used if basing it on current inputs. BN also reassured that WRG is not intending on acquiring more land and that the only the existing void will be used.
Cllr Litton stated that Warrington Borough Councils waste strategy includes reducing the amount of waste imported from outside regions, NB reminded the liaison group that Arpley has been marked as a regional facility.
DR asked WRG to remind Paul Brightwell (WRG Restoration Manager) to produce a schedule of works and progress report regarding Arpley restoration to him. DR also expressed concern regarding the Lapwing area of site and the affect of engineering and Infinis works has had on the restoration of the area.
BT enquired when the site will be open to the public. NB, DR, MH all agreed that this could only happen once the site was finished, fully restored and considered safe.
8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
April 22nd 2009 (3rd Wednesday in April). 6.30pm
Pennsylvania Room on the ground floor of the Town Hall