The Round Hill Society

Veolia 2019-deputation

Veolia index

Deputation to BHCC Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee 26 November 2019

My name is Dominic Furlong. I’m the spokesperson for residents of the Round Hill area of Brighton who wish to raise a deputation about the fire at the Veolia Waste Transfer Site (WTS) in Hollingdean on 25 August 2019. This action is supported by the Round Hill Society AGM held on 16 October 2019. We have a series of questions across five areas of concern: (1) emergency access; (2) the sprinkler system; (3) smoke inhalation; (4) communication with residents at the time of the fire; and (5) communication about the investigation. Taken together, these issues specific to the latest fire at the site heighten more general concerns about (6) the passing of complaints between the Environment Agency and BHCC; and (7) the suitability and safety of the site location.

(1) Emergency Access Contingencies : Are contingencies for emergency access to the site now under review? Does the Council take a view about whether Veolia should have staff on site overnight?

(2) Sprinkler System : Is there to be a review of adequacy and effectiveness of the sprinkler system?

(3) Smoke Inhalation Residents would like more information about the materials burnt during the fire and ask for a robust assessment of the risks to public health posed by smoke inhalation from the fires at this WTS.

(4) Communication at the time of the fire : Will there be a review of emergency communication contingency plans?

(5) Communication about the Investigation : What external (non-Veolia) scrutiny of the investigation has been put in place given the potential risks to public health and safety? How will findings be shared? What’s the expected timeframe? What’s the latest information about the public meeting scheduled with Veolia?

(6) Passing of complaints between the Environment Agency and BHCC : Round Hill residents would like a review of the system of passing complaints between the Environment Agency and the BHCC Environment Team. Why don’t local officers have accurate and up-to-date data on the nature and volume of complaints about the rotting smells and noise from the Veolia site?

(7) Suitability and safety of the site location : In the wake of the range of issues brought to attention by this latest fire at the WTS, we would like the Council to review the suitability and safety of locating a facility for handling local household waste and other waste imported from elsewhere within this densely-populated residential setting.