Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from John Staddon, Residents Representative, Rob Sargent, J L Thomas and Simon Lane, Environmental Health Manager.

The notes of the meeting held on 17 April 2013 were agreed as a correct record.

Nick Parsons reported that volumes of CAT1 raw material within the PDM Group and the Exeter site remain similar to volumes achieved in 2012.  This is anticipated to continue.  The annual tonnage is expected to be in the region of 65,000 tonnes.

A new raw material handling system is now installed and fully operational – the factory was in the second week of running the new system.  This facility has provided improved handling, containment and reliability.  The old raw material handling equipment has now been removed and this has allowed for significant aesthetical improvements to this operating area.  It will also improve the environmental impact from this area of the plant.

It was noted that the national problem of reduced quality animal waste coming into the rendering sector remained an issue.

Nick Parsons also reported that that 11 replacement screw conveyors have been installed in the pressroom which has improved containment and reliability.

Investment in key areas of the plant continues with the factory having placed orders for effluent cooling facilities.  They are currently carrying out a trial with BOC to reduce their effluent load to SWWA.

The increase in the number of complaints from the last meeting was noted, and reference was made to the unusual high temperatures over the summer months.

However, the total number of complaints for the year was substantially down in comparison with previous years.

Councillor Ruffle advised that he was speaking with residents to ascertain how widespread the vehicle odours are.  It was noted that the City Council have no jurisdiction over vehicles on the road, and any incidents should be referred to Devon County Council Highways Department.  The telephone number would be made available to councillors to offer to residents if needed.  Nick Parsons added that historically they attended any spills, and will continue to do so under the guidance of Highways and Trading Standards, but it is the responsibility of the drivers to check the vehicles are secure.

It was noted that odours from the factory were often in a narrow window which is dependent on air movement.

Officers reported that complaints received by email were difficult to investigate as it was often not received until 2-3 days after the occurrence.  It was also acknowledged that there were other businesses in the area where odours could originate.

The list of complaints would be produced on a more regular basis so Members are able to review these.

There was no other business to report.

·         Wednesday 9 April 2014 at 2pm

·         Wedneday 15 October 2014 at 2pm

The dates of future meetings were noted:

·         Wednesday 9 April 2014 at 2pm

·         Wednesday 15 October 2014 at 2pm