The application is to request a significant variation to the existing Alton Materials Recovery Facility permit for the proposed advanced energy recovery facility (often referred to as an incinerator). The proposed facility would be capable of treating around 330,000 tonnes of non-recyclable non-hazardous waste each year from homes and businesses across Hampshire and its neighbouring counties.

The Environment Agency is now seeking comments on the company’s application from the local community and interested groups. Information received about relevant environmental considerations during the consultation will be used to help determine the application as part of a detailed and rigorous assessment of the proposed operation.

A permit variation will only be granted if the operator demonstrates that it meets all legal requirements of the Environment Permitting Regulations and that the facility will be operated in a way that provides a high level of protection of the environment and human health.

Colin Chiverton, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

When we make a permit decision, we use information on the potential environmental and human health impacts of the activity.

Public consultation lets people and organisations take part in our decision making. As this consultation is for an environmental permit we are looking specifically for environmental or health considerations. You can comment on issues that could affect you or where you have particular local knowledge. We take all relevant comments into account so we can make better decisions.

Should the permit variation be granted, specialist Environment Agency officers will regularly audit the operation, including analysing monitoring data, and will also conduct unannounced inspections.

The consultation runs from Thursday 13 May until midnight on Thursday 24 June 2021. Application documents are available to view.

Comments can be made online or they can be emailed to us at pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If you are unable to access the application online please call our National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506 who will be able to help you between 9am-6pm Monday- Friday.