Redhill EMAS 2006 - Biffa

SIGNIFICANTENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTSPERFORMANCE AGAINST OURTARGETS AND OBJECTIVES (2005/06)07Our environmental evaluations and analysis have shown the following issuesto be the most significant for Redhill landfill.OBJECTIVE 1To improve landfill gas capture efficiency.OBJECTIVE 2Improve community awareness.• The breakdown of wastes results in the production ofcontaminated water called leachate, which if itescapes it may affect groundwater or surface waterquality.• The breakdown of waste results in the generation oflandfill gas, of which methane, a greenhouse gas, is asignificant component. If landfill gas is not managed itcan lead to gas migration issues.• The landfilling of waste depletes the void available.• Energy is consumed during water and leachatemanagement and in the offices located on site.• The machinery used to landfill waste results in the useof non-renewable resources.• The landfilling of wastes can result in the generationof nuisance issues resulting in local air pollution if notmanaged.• The transport of waste and materials to and aroundthe site results in the use of non-renewable resourcesand vehicle emissions.• Waste is produced during plant and machinerycleaning and maintenance.• The handling of leachate can result in spray driftcausing odour and the possible dispersion ofcontaminants.• The impact of landfilling and operations could impactupon the biodiversity of the surrounding area.TargetMaintain gas capture efficiency The current gas captureefficiency at Redhill is 88.9% against the EA guidance of85%.Actions UndertakenThe installation of gas pin wells in cells 1 & 2 and alongexposed waste flanks and sensitive areas.Installation of gas extraction pipe work in the lowerwaste levels of Cell 3 (Redhill 2) not yet connected tosystem.TargetsTarget 1Produce a site newsletter.Actions UndertakenNewsletter has been produced biannually, withdistribution to local residents and authorities.Target 2Set up a visitor centre/education centre.Redhill shall act as an education and visitors centre for;schools, residents, businesses and other interested parties.Providing information and education on issues such as:recycling, waste management, diversification and otheralternative technologies.In order to address these identified significant aspects,each year we set ourselves objectives and targets. Theseobjectives are achieved through an action plan wheretime scales and responsible persons are clearly defined.A large number of significant aspects are addressed viaour adherence to established company procedures wheremaintenance of awareness and training of personnel arekey factors.The objectives mentioned above are typically set forthose aspects, which require additional work beyond ournormal practices. They tend to be focused on areas,which have, or are perceived to have, a direct impact onour local environment. Achievement of the action plans isan important facet of our continual advancement andstriving for better procedures and techniques.A summary of our achievements in 2005/06 is set outopposite. The environmental action plan and progressagainst the objectives are reviewed at the 2005/06Management Business review programme.All actions are the responsibility of the sitemanagement team.Actions UndertakenWe are in the process of developing our educationalfacilities, providing information boards at the view pointand improving access from our office across the restoredarea to the viewing platform. In addition we are activelyliaising with our contacts within the Local EducationAuthority.Target 3Increase the number of educational visits to RedhillLandfill Site.Actions Undertaken410 children from the local area have attended visits tothe site since the new year began as part of their Ready,Steady, Recycle project. A party has also visited us fromthe University of the Third Age.1819