The proposal to change the use of an agricultural process in the beautiful Usk valley to an industrial incinerator is contrary to development and environmental policies well-known by Council members. Should the elected members approve it they would be flying in the face of their own knowledge and ripping up well understood planning, environmental and ecological guidelines relevant to a site adjacent to an SSSI, an Environmental Conservation Area and some designated as ‘high’ and ‘outstanding’ in LANDMAP

Logically the last place to locate an incinerator burning substantial amounts of toxic waste 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is in a valley with a 150 ft hill behind it, where gas emissions and fine particulates would frequently be trapped by the valley’s sluggish and even stationary air currents.

The authority knows full well that the incineration of waste matter including plastics is to play fast and loose with the health of the community and other forms of wildlife, farm animals and crops within a considerable range of the site - as has been extensively warned by numerous medical, ecological and other professionals. It would be irresponsible to approve a use that ignores this expertise and is diametrically opposed to the Welsh Government’s clean air policy.

It would add even more ‘fuel to the fire’ of culpability if the authority allies itself with the application by contracting to dispose of toxic waste via this project in the light of facts, implications and risks that are known only too well. body

Geoffrey Dodge (Usk)