Family-run Portsmouth businesses ordered to stop crushing waste by Environment Agency
The Environment Agency says it “neighbouring businesses and important local habitats at risk”
A family-run company in Portsmouth has been ordered to stop crushing waste, after being told the dust presents a ‘risk to human health’.
Emmerson Transport Ltd in Ackworth Road, Hilsea, is a haulage hire and aggregates business, supplying a variety of building materials, lending grab and tipper lorries, and serving as a waste recycling facility. On Monday, July 20, the Environment Agency suspended the environmental permit for the waste site.
This means the company cannot carry out any physical treatment including crushing and screening of waste, until it removes the risk of pollution as set out in the suspension order.
It comes following a site visit from the Environment Agency earlier this month, which found waste being stored in piles higher than is allowed, and measures to reduce dust not being taken. According to Emmerson Transport, steps are being made “as quickly as possible” to address any concerns.
The agency’s area environment manager, Michael Turner, said: “Emmerson Transport Ltd has failed to limit harmful dust emissions, placing neighbouring businesses and important local habitats at risk.
“We suspended waste processing activities at this site and will not allow them to resume until the necessary improvements have been made.”
The company was instructed to carry out corrective actions by Friday, July 31. These include moving the crusher, reducing the height of waste piles, repairing and replacing the micro netting around the site, and putting in place effective mist sprays to dampen dust.
A spokesperson for Emmerson Transport said: “We can confirm that the Environment Agency has temporarily suspended our environmental permit relating to our concrete crushing operations.
“We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and have been working closely with the Environment Agency throughout this process. To further reduce dust emissions, we have invested in a dedicated water bowser to improve dust suppression measures on site, alongside our existing controls.
“We are committed to addressing the Environment Agency’s requirements as quickly as possible and are continuing to work constructively with them to have the suspension lifted. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our neighbours, customers and the wider community while this process is completed.
“Protecting the environment and operating responsibly remain a priority for our business, and we will continue to make any improvements necessary to meet the required standards.”