Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Owen, Nigel Thomas-Childs (Environment Agency) and Mary Evans (Residents Representative).

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2015 were agreed.

Minute No. 23 – Any other business

Nigel Thomas-Childs had advised by email that unfortunately the Environment Agency are no longer able to attend all incidents due to resources.  Whilst they appreciate all reports from members of the public, they use a risk-based approach and only guarantee to attend where there may be a serious or significant impact.  The issue reported (green sludge accumulating on the public right of way in the Newport Park area) relates to river silt deposited following high water levels and flood events.  Nigel acknowledges that although silt and sediment may be classified as a pollutant if it leaves fields due to poor land management practices, it is unlikely that they would be able to determine a single source in the River Exe catchment area which includes the Rivers Creedy, Culm and Clyst.  It was also acknowledged that there will be a natural background of river silts, which may wash over the footpath during flood conditions.  Exeter City Council manage the clean up.  Following the last meeting, the notification was classed as low-risk to the environment and Nigel phoned the complainant and made him aware of this.  If circumstances change however, he would welcome a report via the Environment Agency hotline number on 0800 80 70 60.  The notification in its own right would act as intelligence, and again would be assessed during a risk-based approach.

Nick Murch introduced James Wolfe, Project Manager from Balfour Beatty Construction Services to the meeting to provide an update on works at the site.

Piling works would be taking place during the day between 7.30am and 7pm.  However, the air hammer which creates a loud banging noise will not start until 9am and will finish at 5pm, with one exception until 6.30pm the following evening.  The sheet piling activity is part of the flood resilience programme.  Works will not take place over any weekend period.

The contractor is now in week 3 of a 7-week programme, with a return visit at the end of May to complete areas they cannot access at this time.

Proactive text notifications will be sent out as part of communication to residents.  James also circulated his contact details in the event of complaints received direct to the City Council.

Nick Murch reported on the following:

·         Works were taking place on the coarse inlet screen.  The mechanical fit-out and landscaping will be tied in to the piling works.  The works will require removal of some trees, and there would be an opportunity in the future to discuss replanting of trees to create a screen in terms of odour and noise complaints, if an increase in complaints resulted from the removal of the existing trees.

·         Primary Tank 3 would be shut down to replace one of the scraper wires.  This would take place in approximately three weeks time and would take a maximum of two days.  The sludge tanks would be peak loaded to reduce any possibility of odours.  SWW will advise when a date has been confirmed.

The complaints report was noted.  The complaint on 22 March was in relation to odours from tankers from sewage being taken in from another site where the plant had broken down.

Concern was expressed over issues being experienced with the Proactive Team in responding to complaints.  Nick Murch would investigate.

There was no other business.

The date of the next meeting would be arranged in due course.