Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Foale, Councillor Hannaford and Nigel Fitzhugh (Residents Representative).

The notes of the meeting held on 12 October 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

Nick Parsons reported that the production volumes remained stabled and in line with 2017 forecasts.  The operation reliability continued to be good with no significant plant breakdowns, and process operations had moved to a predominantly day shift operation since January, reducing night time operations.  No odour complaints had been received since the move to a day time operation, although the site’s environmental performance is continually monitored and any change in the site’s environmental impact will result in a review of day time operations if necessary, particularly during the summer months.

The daytime operations have also allowed the site management to observe production activities in greater detail.

The 300 m3 activated sludge effluent treatment tank was replaced with a new 600 m3 tank, effectively doubling the treatment capacity.  In addition, extensive works were carried out on the ancillary processes associated with this treatment plant.  These works were carried out over a three week period.  There was no detrimental effect with regard to the site’s environmental impact, and the new treatment has allowed for improved effluent discharge quality to South West Water.

There were no extensive works planned for 2017, but the site’s mains water tank located on the roof would be replaced, which would be an aesthetic improvement.

The report attached to the agenda detailed one complaint made since the last meeting and the results of investigations.

A complaints summary was circulated (attached) which detailed comparisons for each quarter back to 2002.

One additional complaint had been received since the distribution of the agenda which was detailed on the summary and related to a vehicle leaving the factory.  It would be ensured that this vehicle has a deep clean when it is next at the site.

The low number of complaints was expected at this time of year.

The Senior Environmental Health Officer also added that officers were now able to observe any odours at the factory when it was running following the change to day time operations, and was encouraged that the factory was running well and set up to run into the summer period.

In response to a question, it was noted that if complaints started to exceed that of last year’s summer months and taking into account other factors such as weather conditions, then conversations would be held with the factory to review operations.

Concerns raised at the last meeting regarding an increase in parked cars on the highway blocking the road had been resolved, and yellow lines had been painted in that area.

There was no other business.

The date of the next meeting was noted.