ENRMF Project Development description: The alteration of existing and the construction of new facilities for the recovery and disposal of hazardous waste and disposal of low level radioactive waste in Northamptonshire.

Augean PLC has been considering for some time whether it will be necessary to seek a time extension for the existing planning permissions for the landfill site and treatment facility at ENRMF and whether it will apply for an extension to the permitted landfill void.  In mid-2010 the company completed feasibility studies and void usage predictions and made public its proposals a month later.  The company has spent over 18 months preparing detailed designs, undertaking environmental impact assessments and consultation widely with stakeholders including the local community (see links above).  It is anticipated that the application will be made in early 2012.

In summary the main elements of the application comprise:

• A time extension of approximately 3 years to complete landfilling of the consented landfill by the end of December 2016 with an associated time extension to the end of December 2016 for the life of the soil treatment and recycling facility and an increase in the throughput of the soil treatment and recycling facility to 150,000tpa.
• The extension of the life of the soil treatment and recycling facility located in the north west of the site to December 2026.
• The construction of new landfill void to the west of the current landfill which will provide approximately 10 years of life for a period up to 2026.  The new void is within the boundary of the extant planning consent.
• Filling of the landfill void with hazardous waste and low level radioactive waste (LLW) with an activity up to 200Bq/g at a direct input rate up to 150,000tpa.
• A limit on the total waste input to the East Northants RMF site of 250,000tpa.
• The extraction and stockpiling of clay and overburden to provide material for use in the construction and operation of an engineered containment system at the site, the exportation of clay for use in engineering the nearby Augean Thornhaugh Landfill Site and for general sale.
• The continuation of the operation of the gas flare and pumping station present at the site.
• The restoration of the site to woodland and grassland following the completion of landfilling.

Further information relating to the ENRMF Project is presented on the following pages: