The campaign against the Penrith ‘pong’ has relaunched as ‘Fresh AIR for Penrith’ with a with a new website and social media platforms to challenge the increasing threat from an animal rendering plant on the local environment and infrastructure.
“Sadly, we seemed have moved into a new phase with the Omega Proteins animal rendering plant at Wildriggs on the outskirts of Penrith as it continues to expand it’s operation on an industrial scale.
“A new huge multi fuel thermal oxidiser, approved for construction by Eden District Council, seems to be running 24-hours, that’s night and day,” said campaign organiser Jeff Thomson, “What we have yet been unable to establish is whether the operation has a Department of Environment permit. It is all very worrying for people affected by years of odour emissions from this plant.”
He says Eden council has been derelict in it’s responsibilities, particularly the councillor representatives on the Omega community liaison group. “The council approved the building of the new multi fuel thermal oxidiser, without asking ‘what fuel’?, Now, residents have to live with the consequences,” said Thomson.
The council won’t answer any questions. “There is a wall of silence from the council and councillors,” said Thomson.
He has made a Freedom of Information request to the Environment Agency, asking if a permit has been issued to run the new thermal oxidiser, and what fuel. “I await a response, before considering what further action is needed. The very least we need is a public enquiry into Omega’s fast growing operation on land on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Someone needs to challenge and question.
“The impact on the local environment and infrastructure is potentially immense with odour smells already being reported on a regular basis from people in the local area, particularly Castletown. I know, I live there and I can smell it. The worst most recent was Saturday February 29,” said Thomson.
The new website is www.freshairforpenrith.co.uk with links to Facebook, Twitter, campaign petition and a crowdfunding page.
