Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Walley’s Quarry: Response of the Environment Agency

19 May 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Aaron Bell Con Newcastle-under-Lyme

NHSEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Aaron Bell raised concerns about walley’s quarry: response of the environment agency in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme raised concerns about odours from Walley's Quarry landfill site causing 85% of all odour complaints in England to the Environment Agency.
  • Over 1,000 residents reported significant impacts on mental health (64%), sleep (60%), and physical health (52%) due to the odours from Walley's Quarry.
  • The Environment Agency issued enforcement notices and is working with the operator to cap the site and install gas management equipment.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Aaron Bell Con Newcastle-under-Lyme

The MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme raised concerns about the severe impact of odours from Walley’s Quarry landfill site, which has generated 85% of all odour complaints in England to the Environment Agency. He highlighted that over 1,000 residents responded to a health and impact survey indicating significant or severe impacts on mental health (64%), sleep (60%) and physical health (52%). The MP stressed the need for regulatory action to resolve ongoing issues and improve public health outcomes.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jo Gideon Lab Stoke-on-Trent Central

    The hon. Member's issue is not unique; there are other illegal waste dumps in her constituency causing significant problems, despite the Environment Agency’s reluctance to act.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

The Minister acknowledged the serious concerns raised by local residents and the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme. She explained that the environmental permitting system regulates waste operations, including odour management plans. The Environment Agency has issued enforcement notices and is actively working with the operator to cap the site, install gas management equipment, and conduct air quality monitoring. Public Health England is assessing health impacts according to World Health Organisation guidelines. Although the levels of hydrogen sulphide are exceptional, measures such as installing new gas extraction wells and auditing waste supply chains aim to mitigate odour emissions over the next few weeks.

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