Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Rob Newby and Mary Evans, Residents’ Representative.

The minutes of the meeting on the 13 November 2013 were agreed.

Jay Harris reported that a meeting was due to be held with Persimmon today at 9.30am on site at the former Royal Naval Store Depot but no representatives from Persimmon had attended. SWW would be contacting Persimmon to find out why they had not turned up.

Simon Ruddy stated that legally there was nothing that Exeter City Council could do.

SWW advised that a CCTV camera had been installed to ensure that there were no structural issues. Ben Bradshaw MP was due to visit SWW next month and Jay would raise the issue of Persimmons reluctances to meet and address the odour issues. Councillors agreed that they would also raise the issue with Ben Bradshaw so that pressure could be put on Persimmon to address this odour problem.

Barbara Parsons and Ben Harris from Cornwall College attended they had undertaken an odour survey at Hayle.

Barbara advised on the diffusion tubes and monitors to be used. The diffusion tubes would be placed on drain pipes outside resident’s properties; they would collect data over a monthly period. This data would not measure peaks and troughs but would produce an average measurement. The monitors could be placed in manholes and, although they could not be placed underwater, they could withstand moisture (up to IP66/67) and dust. They would measure the levels of Hydrogen Sulphide and Ammonia.

Ben reported that the data collected would be linked to diaries kept by residents and also factors like wind direction would get taken into consideration.

It was anticipated that the survey would take place over a six month period from April to September.

SWW reported that because of the weather there was very little sludge at the moment.

SWW advised that the works to the new sludge plant were near completion and should be fully operational shortly.  Once this plant was up and working then works would start to refurbish the digestion tanks. It would take about three months to refurbish each tank although once the sludge had been removed any repairs would need to be assessed.

There had been only two complaints on the 12 and 13 of December. No complaints had been received regarding the noises that were as a result of the works that were required for the new sludge plant.

Jay Harris advised that he would reinstate the email notification group which would include Councillors to advise when there were any general odour issues. SWW was looking into putting in place a more robust system for dealing with odour complaints. 

SWW advised that £5,000 had now been handed over to Weir United. Councillor Newby was also a member of the committee. The monies were for residents/groups in the areas that were affected by the odours.

The next meeting to be held in early May and to include a tour of the plant.