Residents call for investigation into Westbury air quality concerns

Westbury residents are calling for further research into air quality in the town following concerns that the long-running Westbury Whiff could be linked to pollution. 

A group of six residents recently met with representatives from Westbury Town Council to raise concerns about smells from the Northacre Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) plant in Westbury, which is operated by Hills Waste Solutions. 

The residents believe the smell known as the Westbury Whiff could be caused by hydrogen sulphide, a gas which can cause adverse health effects at sufficiently high concentrations or after prolonged exposure. 

However, the Environment Agency said it had found no evidence that hydrogen sulphide was responsible for the odour, saying, “The odour our officers are detecting is primarily that associated with general household waste and not hydrogen sulphide that is present at other waste sites.” 

The residents have called for further investigation, including reviewing air quality information, looking into whether there is any link between reported health concerns and the MBT plant and considering additional monitoring of pollutants. 

Complaints about the smell began in 2014 and have continued over the past 12 years. Last year, Westbury MP Andrew Murrison wrote to the Environment Agency calling for the suspension of Hills’ operating permit in Westbury following continued complaints about the smell. 

Some residents have described the odour as ‘nauseating’, with some reporting sore throats and sore eyes which they believe are linked to the smell. 

“We moved here three and a half years ago, not aware of the complaints. We soon found out at a cost,” said resident Billy Harbison. 

“It is putrid. The way we have described the smell is if you travel behind a bin lorry in the middle of summer with the windows down, you’ll get an idea of what it’s like living in Westbury.” 

Resident Elaine Corner criticised Hills, saying, “The resolution is for them to do their jobs properly. It’s their incompetence; they’ve made excuses for the last 12 years. How much longer can they keep making their excuses and Wiltshire Council let them get away with it? 

“They’ve breached every single licence. Why are the council letting them get away with it?” 

In June, the Environment Agency identified that the MBT site was not compliant with the conditions of its environmental permit. An increase in smell complaints was attributed to ongoing biofilter failures. 

At a recent Highways, Planning and Development Committee meeting, Wiltshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Cllr Gordon King, said, “It should never be forgotten that what comes through to the MBT is residual household waste, which is non-toxic, so it’s not harmful to human health.” 

The MBT plant is operated by Hills Waste Solutions under an environmental permit regulated by the Environment Agency. 

A spokesperson for Hills Group said, “Hills is aware of a recent increase in odour complaints at Westbury and continues to work with the Environment Agency on matters related to the Northacre MBT.” 

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said, “No community should have to tolerate odours that affect their environment. 

“Our officers have been carrying out regular odour assessments and site inspections. 

“We have also instructed the operator to carry out additional surveys and remedial work on key infrastructure designed to minimise odour emissions and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.” 

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste, said, “Wiltshire Council has been working closely with the Environment Agency, the regulator responsible for large waste management facilities, including the Westbury MBT. The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating the site and may investigate and take any appropriate enforcement action. 

“Wiltshire Council has also been carrying out regular visits in the area to assess whether a statutory nuisance exists under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and has contacted residents who have been most affected to undertake more detailed assessments. These visits will continue, alongside regular liaison with the Environment Agency to review reported odour locations. 

“We are also working closely with the Environment Agency to arrange a public event in Westbury. This will provide an opportunity to share the findings of the recent assessments and hear directly from residents affected by the odour. Further details will be announced once arrangements have been confirmed.”