PRESS RELEASE, Apr 2012
Candidates in elections opposed to the principle of a large scale
waste incinerator in Gloucestershire
Anti-incineration campaigners are encouraging members of the public to support candidates in the 3rd May Local Elections who are opposed to the construction of a large waste incinerator at Javelin Park. If Planning Permission is granted, the £500 million incinerator will burn 190,000 tonnes per annum of waste. This tonnage, combined with the Moreton Valence facility 600m away, which has already been given Planning Permission to burn 32,000tonnes per annum of waste, will result in 222,000 tonnes of waste being incinerated on the outskirts of Gloucester.
Glosain (Gloucestershire against Incinerators) stated that while they do not support any particular political party, this is an opportunity for voters to express their view on the project and influence the decision before it is too late. Candidates in the forthcoming elections have been invited to add their name to the list: “3rd May Local Election Candidates who Are on Your Side and are opposed to the principle of a large scale waste incinerator in Gloucestershire.” This list can be seen on Glosain’s website : www.glosain.org.uk
GlosAIN (Gloucestershire against Incinerators) spokesperson Diana Shirley said “If this costly project goes ahead it will adversely affect everyone in Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, some people believe that when the“rubbish” is burned that is the end of the story, however, it is only the beginning. The process of burning “non-hazardous waste” results in the creation of hazardous substances, dioxins and furans. A study has been recently commissioned by the UK Health Protection Agency to reassess the risk of incinerators to public health, following research showing increased child deaths in areas near incinerators. Acid rain is also a known result of incineration, and would affect health, the structure of Cotswold stone buildings, and the environment. The Planning Permission Habitat Regulations Screening Report states that burning ‘200,000 tons per annum could have the potential to result in significant air quality impacts on Cotswold Beechwoods SAC.’ The combination of the tonnes per annum being burned at Javelin Park and Moreton Valence sites would be 222,000 tonnes per annum.”
GlosVAIN (Gloucestershire Vale Against Incineration) spokesperson Sue Oppenheimer said “we support the action that Glosain is taking to identify those councillors who are opposed to this incinerator. We know that many councillors at District Council level do not support the County Council’s plans to burn our waste at Javelin Park; indeed Stroud District Council has produced a strong letter of objection. District Councils can have a real influence on the outcome of this proposed project and it is important that prospective candidates get involved. The visual impact of the proposed incinerator will be appalling, and the business case for the project is being seriously questioned. There are much better alternatives for dealing with our waste such as MBT plants. They can sort the waste we throw away, providing a second chance at recycling, so that over half black-bag waste can be reused or composted, rather than burnt. Residents and councillors can still submit an objection to the JavelinPark incinerator plan by going to GlosVAIN’s website at www.glosvain.info”
END
Notes to Editors
GLOSAIN (Gloucestershire Against Incinerators) is campaigning against waste incineration in Gloucestershire and provides an information exchange website. It is non-Party Political
Website: www.glosain.info
Email: Diana.Shirley@virgin.net
Tel. Contact:Diana Shirley 01452 810979
GlosVAIN (Gloucestershire Vale Against Incineration) is a non-Party political alliance of Town and Parish Councils, residents and environmental groups opposed to mass-burn incineration, who support more sustainable methods to minimise waste in Gloucestershire. It has a membership of over 400 people.
Website: www.glosvain.info
Email: pr@glosvain.info
Tel. Contact: SueOppenheimer 01453 824212
Twitter: @GlosVain
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GlosVAIN
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/glosvain
StroudDistrict Council’s letter of objection can be viewed at: http://www.stroud.gov.uk/info/members/cms_documentation/Ag4_Waste_Treatment_-_Javelin_Park.pdf