REGULATION & ENVIRONMENT
The facility will operate within a tightly regulated framework, designed in accordance with the latest Best Available Techniques for waste treatment. This page explains the planning and permitting process, how the environment will be protected, and how the facility has been designed with future carbon reduction in mind.
The planning and permitting process
The proposed facility requires two separate approvals before it can be built and operated.
A comprehensive planning application will be submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council later this year. As part of this process, a range of assessments will be carried out covering topics such as landscape and visual, ecology, air quality, noise, traffic, flood risk, land contamination, cultural heritage and climate change. Once submitted, all documents will be publicly available and anyone can comment on the proposals.
The facility will also require an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency (EA) before it can operate. The permitting process involves a detailed assessment of potential environmental impacts, including emissions to air, land and water. Once operational, emissions will be continuously monitored and reported to the EA.
Air quality
A detailed air quality assessment is being carried out as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. This will consider current air quality conditions in the area and demonstrate that there will be no significant impacts on air quality as a result of the development.
Flue gases will pass through a multi-stage cleaning system before release through the stack, with continuous monitoring in place to ensure compliance with strict emission limits set by the Environment Agency as part of the Environmental Permit.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has consistently advised that any potential impact on the health of those living near modern, well-regulated incinerators is likely to be very small.
Transport
Hazardous waste will be delivered to the site in sealed containers by road. The site is located within an established industrial area with strong transport connections.
The proposed facility will generate fewer vehicle movements – including both Heavy Goods Vehicle and non-Heavy Goods Vehicle trips – than the usage the site is already permitted for, helping to reduce the usage of nearby roads.
Noise
The facility will be designed to contain noise from its operations. An assessment is being undertaken to consider the noise arising from the construction and operation of the facility and to demonstrate that there will be no significant noise impacts as a result of the development.
Visual Impact
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment is being prepared to consider how the facility will sit within the surrounding area. This will inform the design and layout of the buildings to ensure no significant visual impact on nearby properties and the wider landscape.
Carbon Capture Ready
The facility has been designed so that carbon capture technology can be retrofitted in the future. The site could potentially be connected to the planned Net Zero Teesside carbon capture and storage pipeline in the future.