Pledge to residents over incinerator work

Oct 2 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

INEOS ChlorVinyls has pledged to keep residents informed “every step of the way” during construction of its waste to energy incinerator.

As part of this the firm has invited HAGATI, the residents’ group opposed to the plans, for talks.

It also must create a local liaison committee and fund environmental improvements in the borough.

However, there are still steps to be taken before building begins.

Ineos Chlor must get an Environment Agency License and secure fuel contracts and cash before it begins building.

The company expects the incinerator to start converting waste to power in early 2013.

Chris Tate, Ineos Chlor CEO, said: “The Secretary of State has placed some tough planning conditions on us

covering all aspects of the project, from construction through to operation.

“The Environment Agency licence will place very strict controls on emissions and operating standards to ensure public health is protected when the plant is up and running.

“Likewise, the legal agreement with the council places a number of specific obligations on us around environmental monitoring and providing assurances on where the fuel for our plant will come from.

“We are also required to establish a local liaison committee and have agreed to provide funding for environmental improvements in the borough.”

Chris added: “That said, we are in no doubt whatsoever of the strength of public feeling about our proposals and we recognise we still have more to do to fully engage with the local community and to allay any remaining concerns.

“As part of this process we would like to extend an invitation to representatives of HAGATI to meet with us.

“We very much hope they will now join us around the table and share with us their views about how we can provide local residents with all of the information they need as we move forward with the proposals.”