North Yorkshire County Council has given planning permission for the massive extension to the Yorkshire Water Sewage Works at Hemingbrough.
Without the extraordinary efforts of the local Hemingbrough Sewage Works Action Group (HSWAG) it would have gone ahead without significant safeguards for all residents.
Yorkshire Water’s original plan, supported by Hemingbrough Parish Council, was to route up to 100 lorries a week through the narrow village streets and residential areas, putting children in danger, and with the risk of damaging buildings and disrupting village life. HSWAG suggested, campaigned for and won access through the little used Newhay Lane at Cliffe. HSWAG also won concessions on odour and fly control measures and screening by more than a simple wire fence to hide the unsightly works that the Parish Council failed to do.”
HSWAG was formed to combat Yorkshire Water and the Parish Council in late April after residents found out the Council had had a “Special, closed Meeting” in mid February to comment on the plans at an early stage then both had kept residents in the dark for two months while the time for objections was running out.
The Parish Council later described their closed meeting as a “very constructive public relations meeting” and offered to leaflet the village asking people to keep Main Street clear of cars to allow lorries to pass.” Can you imagine the effect on the General Store, the Bread Bin and the Post Office, all vital local businesses, if the Parish Council had had its way and cares were to be kept off Main Street? Can you imagine the effect if Yorkshire Water’s threat to have ‘no parking’ yellow lines put down Main Street?
The Parish Council got what they wanted at that closed meeting; they asked Yorkshire Water to pay for an extension to a Water Vole survey. Yorkshire Water rushed that survey extension through before Councilors commented on their plans in public.” Who was looking out for the village? The Action Group!
HSWAG gathered more than 80 signatures on a petition calling for the Council Leaders to quit for not briefing them, seeking assurances and safeguards between February and mid-April.” The Parish Council ignored it saying they will continue to do what’s best for the village! 100 lorries a day?
Selby Council has been invited to comment on why our Parish Council should call a “Special, closed Meeting” to do it’s normal business of commenting on plans, then produce no Agenda, no official minutes and no record on the Council’s list that the meeting ever took place! Selby Council has also been asked why two Hemingbrough District Councilors, Kay McSherry and James Deans, also kept quiet for the same two months.
Residents must not let large companies and Councilors come to agreements behind closed doors without feeling the strength of People Power. When they were discovered, we heard Councilors and Yorkshire Water publicly challenging each other about what happened, accusations of lying and general pandemonium. Parish Council Meetings, closed to residents, should be banned unless there is a statutory reason for them!
There is still much work to be done by the Action Group. Somebody has to ensure the Sewage Works are built and managed to the approved planning application. Someone has to take a genuine interest in the future of our village.
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Independant Survey Indicates it Will Smell
The following is an extract from the Odour survey carried out for the proposed sewage plant in the village, this survey was carried out as the Enviromental officer at Selby Council had objected to the plant on the grounds that Yorkshire Water had provided no statistical evidence in their submission documents that the new plant would not smell.
Their track record on building sewage plants that do not smell is not great, look at the content within the blog on this subject.
I will allow you to make your own assumptions but if you are still in doubt take a ride to the Selby Barlow site, you dont need a map just follow your nose along the by-pass. (Its on the left just over the new swing bridge)
EXTRACT READS AS FOLLOWS:
"Site visits were carried out on the 28th of May and the 4th of June, both to the existing site at Hemmingbrough and two other sites utilising similar plant to the proposed site; these sites were Easington, Humberside and Selby Barlow. It should be noted that there had been a prolonged period of dry warm weather prior to the site visits, which would be likely to give rise to the greatest amount of odiferous compounds" (stink of human waste to you and I)
Now you know this wonderful sunshine we have had over the last few weeks and the nice cooling breeze that has been blowing through the village, (the prevailing wind will bring it right over the centre of the village) make the most of it because when this thing goes up it will be a different story.
Their track record on building sewage plants that do not smell is not great, look at the content within the blog on this subject.
I will allow you to make your own assumptions but if you are still in doubt take a ride to the Selby Barlow site, you dont need a map just follow your nose along the by-pass. (Its on the left just over the new swing bridge)
EXTRACT READS AS FOLLOWS:
"Site visits were carried out on the 28th of May and the 4th of June, both to the existing site at Hemmingbrough and two other sites utilising similar plant to the proposed site; these sites were Easington, Humberside and Selby Barlow. It should be noted that there had been a prolonged period of dry warm weather prior to the site visits, which would be likely to give rise to the greatest amount of odiferous compounds" (stink of human waste to you and I)
Now you know this wonderful sunshine we have had over the last few weeks and the nice cooling breeze that has been blowing through the village, (the prevailing wind will bring it right over the centre of the village) make the most of it because when this thing goes up it will be a different story.
Does Your House Back Onto The River
If you are living in a property that currently looks out over the river and has views across open countryside then make the most of it as not only is the sewage works at a height more than a double decker bus going to spoil it but there are now plans to build a wind farm. And the construction traffic through Cliffe village!!!!!
There are plans to build five wind turbines on land at Cleek Hall, this is off Turnham Lane in Cliffe. At the exhibition held at the Methodist Chapel in Hemingbrough on the 15th of June (what you did not know it was happening)the consultant answering questions stated that land was been rented from the Land owner a Mr Platt.
We are advised that Selby DC and Hemingbrough and Cliffe PC have been consulted and should you require any further information you should contact one of the above.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Concessions, We Dont Want Concessions
Concessions are not what we want, Yorkshire Waters new application does not show one thing that will make this look any better, smell any better or ensure we do not have flies or odour accross the whole village.
Yorkshire Water's position is no different now to what it was 3 months ago.
We urge you to continue to complain to North Yorks County Council, also complain to your local councillors and show you are in full support of the total objection to this planning application.
Remember in the years to come it is your gardens and beer gardens that you will not be able to use due to stench and flies!!!!!!
Yorkshire Water's position is no different now to what it was 3 months ago.
We urge you to continue to complain to North Yorks County Council, also complain to your local councillors and show you are in full support of the total objection to this planning application.
Remember in the years to come it is your gardens and beer gardens that you will not be able to use due to stench and flies!!!!!!
Saturday, 6 June 2009
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Spending the day on the 'Sewage Post' at the church fun day, we have had confirmed to us what a pleasant place this is to live, worth all the hard work.
It's been a long road to get here from our first public meeting in the Crown where we decided to formalise the action group because the answers from Yorkshire Water just weren't making sense. We had already had a meeting with them at the school and some of us had been visited in person.
So where are we now?
CONCESSIONS FROM YORKSHIRE WATER
Yorkshire water have agreed to screen the site from view. They propose to do this by building a small bund around the site on three sides and planting trees on the bund to make a more attractive feature. They are ‘happy to consult with residents about what type of trees they would like to see planted.’ Thanks Yorkshire Water if we can ensure no odour and no flies we might get there.
Yorkshire Water have committed to building in special fly nets at the works from the outset, which will help to keep flies away from the village. We need to check if this works. But it’s a start.
What about smell? Yorkshire water say ‘…we can't guarantee there will be no smell given the nature of the facility and what goes into it’.
Still some way to go but we have made progress - and some more friends.
It's been a long road to get here from our first public meeting in the Crown where we decided to formalise the action group because the answers from Yorkshire Water just weren't making sense. We had already had a meeting with them at the school and some of us had been visited in person.
So where are we now?
CONCESSIONS FROM YORKSHIRE WATER
Yorkshire water have agreed to screen the site from view. They propose to do this by building a small bund around the site on three sides and planting trees on the bund to make a more attractive feature. They are ‘happy to consult with residents about what type of trees they would like to see planted.’ Thanks Yorkshire Water if we can ensure no odour and no flies we might get there.
Yorkshire Water have committed to building in special fly nets at the works from the outset, which will help to keep flies away from the village. We need to check if this works. But it’s a start.
What about smell? Yorkshire water say ‘…we can't guarantee there will be no smell given the nature of the facility and what goes into it’.
Still some way to go but we have made progress - and some more friends.
Friday, 5 June 2009
ITS GOOD TO TALK - CHURCH FAIR 6th JUNE
Members of the action group will be available all day on Saturday the 6th of June, at the Church Craft and Fun Day, to talk to anyone about Yorkshire Water's Proposals for the Sewage Treatment Works.
We will have loads of information for you to see and will be happy to answer any questions you might have - the same day- if we can.
Bring the kids - if you have them - there are plenty of fun activities to keep them amused.
See you there!
Thursday, 28 May 2009
OTHER PEOPLES PROBLEMS??
If you want to read more about the problems that other villages have suffered from ODOUR POLLUTION caused by Yorkshire Water's Waste Treatment Sites,
Check out the following links:
Info on Saltend’s odour problems:
http://alturl.com/rboe
Document from DEFRA on Insect Nuisance and Sewage Treatment works:
http://alturl.com/ezsb
Salt endsreport articles:
http://alturl.com/ghsm
http://alturl.com/2qyk
Graham Stuart’s website:
http://alturl.com/5zn6
Doncaster Free Press article:
http://alturl.com/bwms
Hansard report:
http://alturl.com/zmko
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Where There Is s***, There Is Money
Many people are asking who owns the land that the sewage plant is to be built on?
The land in question belongs to Mr Bruce Falkingham of Newhay Grange, Mr Falkingham attended the Parish Council meeting on Thursday to request that the current public footpath that runs from the church to the river be diverted around his field, now call me cynical but having established that Mr Falkingham is now in discussion with Yorkshire Water about allowing them construction access via a temporay road and at present that would be difficult as they would have to build over the public right of way then i am not sure why it needs to be moved and how much YW would pay the land owner for the inconvenience.
When Mr Falkingham was questioned on this subject at the meeting he said that he was doing what was best for the village as it would eleviate the need for heavy traffic to come down main street.
Well Mr Falkingham may we suggest that if you have the best interests of the village at heart you would stop the sale of your land to Yorkshire Water and stand behind the village in its opposition of the development!!!!!
Readers of the BLOG may also wish to know that Mr Falkingham owns R&R, now we are in no terms directing people to shop elsewhere but if people are driven by money to the extent that they do not care about the quality of village life for years to come then they may only take notice when it hits them in the pocket.
Don’t be taken in by Yorkshire Water’s Spin
To All Hemingbrough Residents
Don’t be taken in by Yorkshire Water’s Spin
Providing Yorkshire Water have now got their act together as to who and who doesn’t live in the village, you should all now be in receipt of the latest letter from Richard Seers (Communications Manager, Yorkshire Water) dated 21 May 2009 regarding the proposed £2.1 million Waste Water Treatment Works they have planned for Hemingbrough.
As they quite rightly state, there was a consultation meeting held in the Methodist Church Hall on Monday, 18 May.
Present:
Yorkshire Water:
Daffyd Williams (Capital Communications Manager)
Chris Willcock (Delivery Team Manager)
Costain Mouchel:
Graham Rudman
Hemingbrough Parish Council:
Sheila Bygrave (Councillor)
Jan Strelczenie (Chairman)
Hemingbrough Parochial Church Council:
Greig Markham (Secretary)
Selby District Council:
Margaret Hume (Councillor)
HSWAG:
Chris Dillon (Chairman)
Graham Jarvis
No agenda was provided to any of the attendees beforehand, consequently none of the attendees had any opportunity to prepare or research the issues that were discussed at the meeting which, in turn, in impacted upon the effectiveness of and output from the meeting.
In Daffyd Williams opinion, the purpose of the meeting was to;
Provide feedback on the consultation process to date and to give further opportunity for key stakeholders in the community to ask further questions and to keep the dialogue going re the YW proposal for the new Waste Water treatment works in Hemingbrough.
As we're all aware to date, in spite of numerous written and verbal requests, YW have singularly failed to provide relevant information and/or data for residents’ inspection and analysis, and unfortunately, the meeting only served to reinforce this perception.
Let’s take each of the issues covered in their letter in turn… …
Visual Impact:
For those of you who saw our last Newsletter, you’ll have some idea of just how high these works will be. We found out at Monday’s meeting, that as well as the various tanks – up to 6.1metres high – there will be lights on top of these which will take the overall height to 8metres – that’s over 26feet high!!
This will potentially be higher if YW have to raise the tanks + the filter beds onto concrete plinths to counteract potential flood risks, which could take the structures to over 30feet high!!
YW Spin:
Following concerns expressed by residents, we are looking to screen the site from view. We propose to do this firstly by creating a small bund of earth and by planting trees on that bund. We are happy to consult with residents about what type of tress they would like to see planted.
The Reality:
The bund will only be 4feet high – by our reckoning that leaves (best case scenario) at least 22feet of the tanks visible. There was a suggestion at Monday’s meeting that leylandii could be planted – they’re fast growing and would eventually cover the site – but they’re not exactly in keeping with the natural vegetation in the area.
In addition to the bund, there will be a chain link fence 8-10feet high surrounding the site. Whichever way you look at it – pun intended – it’s going to be an eyesore.
Odour Issues:
This is a real concern for the village and is an issue that has been raised on numerous occasions with various representatives from the company.
Yorkshire Water has a poor track record in this regard and, in fact, the Secretary of State for the Environment recently wrote to Yorkshire Water re odour problems at their Saltend Treatment Works. The following is an extract from local MP, Graham Stuart’s website:
“We told the Secretary of State just how awful, persistent and unacceptable the smells are from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant. We told him of Yorkshire Water’s broken promises and asked for his support in tackling this environmental menace. My constituents have put up with too much for too long. Every year Yorkshire Water promises changes to tackle the problem and every year the homes and journeys and lives of thousands of local people are polluted and poisoned by foul smells.
We asked that the Secretary of State write on our behalf immediately to Yorkshire Water and following the powerful presentations from each member of the team he agreed to do so. I hope this pressure from the highest level of Government may be enough to persuade Yorkshire Water to get its act together and sort out the problem once and for all.”
At Monday’s meeting, we specifically requested, as we have done on numerous occasions, that YW provide us with sight of quantifiable data to back up their oft repeated statements and claims about the likely low/minimal level of odour that could be expected from a works of this size.
Messrs Williams and Wilcock of YW agreed, in the hearing of all those attending, that they would provide us with that data / information. Given their track record to date, it came as no surprise, therefore, when they reneged on that promise and, as you will see from their letter, are now basing their claims solely on their experience of other sites and the quality of assets.
You may be prepared to take their word for it, but we’re not, and neither are the Environmental Health Dept. at Selby District Council, who have lodged an objection to the planning application based on the unsubstantiated and vague nature of YW’s claims regarding the risk of odour pollution.
Flies:
Another emotive subject and one of genuine concern for Hemingbrough residents and one that was covered in the last HSWAG newsletter.
YW Spin:
Following concerns expressed by residents about the potential for flies, we now propose to build into the design fly netting which helps keep the flies away from houses.
The Reality:
As was admitted by Chris Wilcock at Monday nights meeting (after being challenged by HSWAG members), the netting will NOT prevent the problem. It may help to reduce the problem somewhat but, given the fact that there will be two 6foot diameter open filter beds, there will undoubtedly be a considerable increase in the flies that this site will produce; consequently, there is a higher risk to the village.
Construction Traffic
This was a major concern for residents as at least 10 lorries a day were scheduled to be operating up and down Main Street/Landing Lane for the duration of the construction raising fears re the safety of the village’s children, potential damage to building and parked cars.
Mouchel Costain’s (contractors responsible for the construction of the works) Risk Assessment rated the risk of accident, serious injury or death as HIGH, and they sought to address this issue by erecting strategically placed signs!
YW Spin:
Following discussions at the forum meeting, we are looking to change the route that lorries will access the site. We now plan, subject to approval by NYCC and the landowner, to build a temporary road for a period of 3-4 months. This will cover the peak period of construction and ensure all the largest construction vehicles do not need to come through the village at all.
The Reality:
YW had already approached the landowner in this regard. Whilst he hasn’t said, No,’ to their idea, we understand that the landowner would be looking to have a public footpath rerouted as part of any deal regarding the road access – a potentially protracted process. In addition, even if the landowner agrees to allow access without this concession, there would then be the issue of routing the road – however temporary across a public footpath.
In addition, NYCC may not approve the proposal given the access turning to and from the A63.
There is also the potential impact to be considered on the smallholding/glasshouses at the top of Newhay Lane. So, whilst on the face of it YW appear to have come up with an option that would address residents concerns, this is by no means a done deal and we may be yet be faced with construction traffic thundering through the village.
YW Spin:
Whilst we cannot guarantee there will be no smell given the nature of the facility and what goes into it, we do not propose any change in the flows that are already going to the site and experience shows that the modern equipment such as we propose for Hemingbrough significantly reduces odour complaints. However, should odour become a problem at this site, there are a number of measures we can put in place to tackle the problem, as we have done at other works (like Saltend, perhaps?). We are aware that residents have requested quantifiable data to demonstrate this view. Our view has come from our experience of other sites and relates to the quality of the assets we will be putting in place. The assets have been designed to high modern standards (the same could be said of the Titanic!) that help to reduce odour complaints.
The Reality:
Where do we start with this one!
Let’s go back to the exhibition that YW held at Hemingbrough school earlier this month. We were categorically told that there would be NO repeat NO smell from the treatment works. Now they’re saying they can’t guarantee it which, to our mind, is a long way off no smell.
Re their statement concerning no increase in the level of flow to the site. We have had opinion from water industry professionals who tell us that a site of this size is far more than a village of 1800 residents requires. Now, you could say that there is then capacity for any additional housing that may be built in the village… … isn’t that increasing the flow? At Thursday night’s meeting (21/5) of Hemingbrough Parish Council, there was a consensus amongst the councillors that this works is intended to take on the waste treatment from South Duffield (where a new housing development is planned) along with that of Cliffe – so much for not increasing the flow. What will that do to any odour problems?
The comments from MP Graham Stuart’s website make a nonsense of their assertions that there are measures that they can put in place to tackle the problem.
Proximity to houses:
The new site will bring the waste treatment process to within 200metres of residents properties – there is some dispute over this figure, as YW insist it is nearer 220m; whatever the distance, it’s still too close!
YW Spin:
We do not feel that the site is too close to houses given that it is more than 220m from the nearest house. In fact we currently operate a number of waste treatment works which are considerably closer to houses than our current proposal. A few examples would include: Temple Hirst, which is 26m from the nearest house, West Haddlesey which is 30m from the nearest house, Hornsea which is 60m from the nearest house and Naburn which is 200m from the nearest house. These are just a few examples from planning applications which have been approved for waste water treatment works in recent times. There are many other sites in addition to these which are closer to housing than our proposed site at Hemingbrough.
The Reality:
We have continually asked YW to provide us with details of existing treatment works of a similar size and in similar proximity to residential properties. At the exhibition that YW staged at Hemingbrough School, they suggested Easington and Gilberdyke as being possible comparison sites; although it would appear that neither resembles Hemingbough, in that Easington (East Yorks.) has only 371 residents, and the parish of Gilberdyke has over 3028 residents, and their treatment works is further away from the village. However, if YW see Gilberdyke as being a comparable site, and it is treating waste for over 3000 residents, what does that say about the proposed Hemingbrough site and the potential level of waste it could / would have to treat?
With regard to the examples that Mr Williams (YW) quoted to us at the meeting, when he was challenged by HSWAG members, he admitted that he wasn’t comparing like with like sites or, as we termed it, ‘eggs with eggs!’. For example, Temple Hirst has only 133 residents; West Haddlesey has only around 157 – so it is unlikely that the works in question will stand any comparison in terms of size, odour or vermin issues.
Once again, Yorkshire Water have proved, that they cannot be trusted!
Keep up to date with what’s really happening on HSWAG’s blog
http://hemingbroughactiongroup.blogspot.com/
or via our newsletter
Don’t be taken in by Yorkshire Water’s Spin
Providing Yorkshire Water have now got their act together as to who and who doesn’t live in the village, you should all now be in receipt of the latest letter from Richard Seers (Communications Manager, Yorkshire Water) dated 21 May 2009 regarding the proposed £2.1 million Waste Water Treatment Works they have planned for Hemingbrough.
As they quite rightly state, there was a consultation meeting held in the Methodist Church Hall on Monday, 18 May.
Present:
Yorkshire Water:
Daffyd Williams (Capital Communications Manager)
Chris Willcock (Delivery Team Manager)
Costain Mouchel:
Graham Rudman
Hemingbrough Parish Council:
Sheila Bygrave (Councillor)
Jan Strelczenie (Chairman)
Hemingbrough Parochial Church Council:
Greig Markham (Secretary)
Selby District Council:
Margaret Hume (Councillor)
HSWAG:
Chris Dillon (Chairman)
Graham Jarvis
No agenda was provided to any of the attendees beforehand, consequently none of the attendees had any opportunity to prepare or research the issues that were discussed at the meeting which, in turn, in impacted upon the effectiveness of and output from the meeting.
In Daffyd Williams opinion, the purpose of the meeting was to;
Provide feedback on the consultation process to date and to give further opportunity for key stakeholders in the community to ask further questions and to keep the dialogue going re the YW proposal for the new Waste Water treatment works in Hemingbrough.
As we're all aware to date, in spite of numerous written and verbal requests, YW have singularly failed to provide relevant information and/or data for residents’ inspection and analysis, and unfortunately, the meeting only served to reinforce this perception.
Let’s take each of the issues covered in their letter in turn… …
Visual Impact:
For those of you who saw our last Newsletter, you’ll have some idea of just how high these works will be. We found out at Monday’s meeting, that as well as the various tanks – up to 6.1metres high – there will be lights on top of these which will take the overall height to 8metres – that’s over 26feet high!!
This will potentially be higher if YW have to raise the tanks + the filter beds onto concrete plinths to counteract potential flood risks, which could take the structures to over 30feet high!!
YW Spin:
Following concerns expressed by residents, we are looking to screen the site from view. We propose to do this firstly by creating a small bund of earth and by planting trees on that bund. We are happy to consult with residents about what type of tress they would like to see planted.
The Reality:
The bund will only be 4feet high – by our reckoning that leaves (best case scenario) at least 22feet of the tanks visible. There was a suggestion at Monday’s meeting that leylandii could be planted – they’re fast growing and would eventually cover the site – but they’re not exactly in keeping with the natural vegetation in the area.
In addition to the bund, there will be a chain link fence 8-10feet high surrounding the site. Whichever way you look at it – pun intended – it’s going to be an eyesore.
Odour Issues:
This is a real concern for the village and is an issue that has been raised on numerous occasions with various representatives from the company.
Yorkshire Water has a poor track record in this regard and, in fact, the Secretary of State for the Environment recently wrote to Yorkshire Water re odour problems at their Saltend Treatment Works. The following is an extract from local MP, Graham Stuart’s website:
“We told the Secretary of State just how awful, persistent and unacceptable the smells are from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant. We told him of Yorkshire Water’s broken promises and asked for his support in tackling this environmental menace. My constituents have put up with too much for too long. Every year Yorkshire Water promises changes to tackle the problem and every year the homes and journeys and lives of thousands of local people are polluted and poisoned by foul smells.
We asked that the Secretary of State write on our behalf immediately to Yorkshire Water and following the powerful presentations from each member of the team he agreed to do so. I hope this pressure from the highest level of Government may be enough to persuade Yorkshire Water to get its act together and sort out the problem once and for all.”
At Monday’s meeting, we specifically requested, as we have done on numerous occasions, that YW provide us with sight of quantifiable data to back up their oft repeated statements and claims about the likely low/minimal level of odour that could be expected from a works of this size.
Messrs Williams and Wilcock of YW agreed, in the hearing of all those attending, that they would provide us with that data / information. Given their track record to date, it came as no surprise, therefore, when they reneged on that promise and, as you will see from their letter, are now basing their claims solely on their experience of other sites and the quality of assets.
You may be prepared to take their word for it, but we’re not, and neither are the Environmental Health Dept. at Selby District Council, who have lodged an objection to the planning application based on the unsubstantiated and vague nature of YW’s claims regarding the risk of odour pollution.
Flies:
Another emotive subject and one of genuine concern for Hemingbrough residents and one that was covered in the last HSWAG newsletter.
YW Spin:
Following concerns expressed by residents about the potential for flies, we now propose to build into the design fly netting which helps keep the flies away from houses.
The Reality:
As was admitted by Chris Wilcock at Monday nights meeting (after being challenged by HSWAG members), the netting will NOT prevent the problem. It may help to reduce the problem somewhat but, given the fact that there will be two 6foot diameter open filter beds, there will undoubtedly be a considerable increase in the flies that this site will produce; consequently, there is a higher risk to the village.
Construction Traffic
This was a major concern for residents as at least 10 lorries a day were scheduled to be operating up and down Main Street/Landing Lane for the duration of the construction raising fears re the safety of the village’s children, potential damage to building and parked cars.
Mouchel Costain’s (contractors responsible for the construction of the works) Risk Assessment rated the risk of accident, serious injury or death as HIGH, and they sought to address this issue by erecting strategically placed signs!
YW Spin:
Following discussions at the forum meeting, we are looking to change the route that lorries will access the site. We now plan, subject to approval by NYCC and the landowner, to build a temporary road for a period of 3-4 months. This will cover the peak period of construction and ensure all the largest construction vehicles do not need to come through the village at all.
The Reality:
YW had already approached the landowner in this regard. Whilst he hasn’t said, No,’ to their idea, we understand that the landowner would be looking to have a public footpath rerouted as part of any deal regarding the road access – a potentially protracted process. In addition, even if the landowner agrees to allow access without this concession, there would then be the issue of routing the road – however temporary across a public footpath.
In addition, NYCC may not approve the proposal given the access turning to and from the A63.
There is also the potential impact to be considered on the smallholding/glasshouses at the top of Newhay Lane. So, whilst on the face of it YW appear to have come up with an option that would address residents concerns, this is by no means a done deal and we may be yet be faced with construction traffic thundering through the village.
YW Spin:
Whilst we cannot guarantee there will be no smell given the nature of the facility and what goes into it, we do not propose any change in the flows that are already going to the site and experience shows that the modern equipment such as we propose for Hemingbrough significantly reduces odour complaints. However, should odour become a problem at this site, there are a number of measures we can put in place to tackle the problem, as we have done at other works (like Saltend, perhaps?). We are aware that residents have requested quantifiable data to demonstrate this view. Our view has come from our experience of other sites and relates to the quality of the assets we will be putting in place. The assets have been designed to high modern standards (the same could be said of the Titanic!) that help to reduce odour complaints.
The Reality:
Where do we start with this one!
Let’s go back to the exhibition that YW held at Hemingbrough school earlier this month. We were categorically told that there would be NO repeat NO smell from the treatment works. Now they’re saying they can’t guarantee it which, to our mind, is a long way off no smell.
Re their statement concerning no increase in the level of flow to the site. We have had opinion from water industry professionals who tell us that a site of this size is far more than a village of 1800 residents requires. Now, you could say that there is then capacity for any additional housing that may be built in the village… … isn’t that increasing the flow? At Thursday night’s meeting (21/5) of Hemingbrough Parish Council, there was a consensus amongst the councillors that this works is intended to take on the waste treatment from South Duffield (where a new housing development is planned) along with that of Cliffe – so much for not increasing the flow. What will that do to any odour problems?
The comments from MP Graham Stuart’s website make a nonsense of their assertions that there are measures that they can put in place to tackle the problem.
Proximity to houses:
The new site will bring the waste treatment process to within 200metres of residents properties – there is some dispute over this figure, as YW insist it is nearer 220m; whatever the distance, it’s still too close!
YW Spin:
We do not feel that the site is too close to houses given that it is more than 220m from the nearest house. In fact we currently operate a number of waste treatment works which are considerably closer to houses than our current proposal. A few examples would include: Temple Hirst, which is 26m from the nearest house, West Haddlesey which is 30m from the nearest house, Hornsea which is 60m from the nearest house and Naburn which is 200m from the nearest house. These are just a few examples from planning applications which have been approved for waste water treatment works in recent times. There are many other sites in addition to these which are closer to housing than our proposed site at Hemingbrough.
The Reality:
We have continually asked YW to provide us with details of existing treatment works of a similar size and in similar proximity to residential properties. At the exhibition that YW staged at Hemingbrough School, they suggested Easington and Gilberdyke as being possible comparison sites; although it would appear that neither resembles Hemingbough, in that Easington (East Yorks.) has only 371 residents, and the parish of Gilberdyke has over 3028 residents, and their treatment works is further away from the village. However, if YW see Gilberdyke as being a comparable site, and it is treating waste for over 3000 residents, what does that say about the proposed Hemingbrough site and the potential level of waste it could / would have to treat?
With regard to the examples that Mr Williams (YW) quoted to us at the meeting, when he was challenged by HSWAG members, he admitted that he wasn’t comparing like with like sites or, as we termed it, ‘eggs with eggs!’. For example, Temple Hirst has only 133 residents; West Haddlesey has only around 157 – so it is unlikely that the works in question will stand any comparison in terms of size, odour or vermin issues.
Once again, Yorkshire Water have proved, that they cannot be trusted!
Keep up to date with what’s really happening on HSWAG’s blog
http://hemingbroughactiongroup.blogspot.com/
or via our newsletter
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Online Petition Gathers Momentum
The online petition started last week continues to gather momentum with signatures from as far away as the United States.
Log your opposition to the application at:
http://petitions.tigweb.org/Hemingbroughsewagepetition
Log your opposition to the application at:
http://petitions.tigweb.org/Hemingbroughsewagepetition
Yorkshire Water We Want Answers
The Action Group has been inundated with enquiries regarding the many questions that the 100 plus people posed to Yorkshire Water at the open forum held in the Crown Inn.
We are asking the same question, Yorkshire Water were provided with the minutes of the meeting and the actions they had taken upon themselves, but as to date we have had no response.
This is not a suprise to many of the action group as we have all made requests for information but not one has received any formal response, is this what you would expect from an organisation that claims to be in consultation with its customers.
One member of the audience has stated that "it feels as though the Yorkshire Water representatives had been despatched from headquarters to go and pacify the peasants"
What are they hiding or are the answers not what they want us to hear, you make up your own mind.
We are asking the same question, Yorkshire Water were provided with the minutes of the meeting and the actions they had taken upon themselves, but as to date we have had no response.
This is not a suprise to many of the action group as we have all made requests for information but not one has received any formal response, is this what you would expect from an organisation that claims to be in consultation with its customers.
One member of the audience has stated that "it feels as though the Yorkshire Water representatives had been despatched from headquarters to go and pacify the peasants"
What are they hiding or are the answers not what they want us to hear, you make up your own mind.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
And They Say It Wont Smell
Responding to a meeting with the Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn MP, to discuss the continuing stench emanating from the Waste Water Treatment Plant at Saltend, local MP, Graham Stuart, said:
“We told the Secretary of State just how awful, persistant and unacceptable the smells are from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant. We told him of Yorkshire Water’s broken promises and asked for his support in tackling this environmental menace. My constituents have put up with too much for too long. Every year Yorkshire Water promises changes to tackle the problem and every year the homes and journeys and lives of thousands of local people are polluted and poisoned by foul smells.
“We asked that the Secretary of State write on our behalf immediately to Yorkshire Water and following the powerful presentations from each member of the team he agreed to do so. I hope this pressure from the highest level of Government may be enough to persuade Yorkshire Water to get its act together and sort out the problem once and for all.”
The meeting took place in Hilary Benn’s office at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Present at the meeting: Hilary Benn MP, Graham Stuart MP, Steve Wood, Chairman of Preston Parish Council, Cllr Ann Suggit, Cllr Peter Turner and Cllr Jane Evison (ERYC)
Local MP takes Water Treatment Plant complaints to the top
2nd August, 2007
Local MP, Graham Stuart, has written to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Hilary Benn MP, requesting a meeting to discuss the Hull Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Residents living in the Hedon and Preston area are still finding the smells from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant at Saltend unbearable and, together with Councillors, have asked that the local MP raise the problem in Parliament.
Graham’s request for a meeting follows a full Council meeting, where members of East Riding Council were asked to take urgent action to find a solution to the “ongoing horrendous odour problems”. The motion, which was carried unanimously, stated that the “obnoxious stench still remains a daily problem”.
Graham said: “I’m determined to get this message across to Ministers and deal with the issue once and for all. Promises were made in 2000 by representatives of Yorkshire Water that it would be odour free, yet day after day, the battle to get rid of the stench continues. It is now time for Ministers to put pressure on Yorkshire Water to ensure that the people of South-West Holderness do not have to put up with the foul smell any longer.”
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council Motion reads:
27th June 2007
Yorkshire Water Sewage Plant - Moved by Councillor Suggit, seconded by Councillor Burton
Resolved - (a) That in view of the fact that at a meeting in October 2006 the Chief Executive of Yorkshire Water, gave assurances that by summer 2007 no further major problems would occur and if it did still exist Yorkshire Water would need to rethink the design and solutions to the problem and eight months later the obnoxious stench still remains a daily problem and we are totally sick of promises which do nothing for this area, the Council takes positive action urgently to find a solution to the ongoing horrendous odour problems which do nothing for the quality of life for residents of South West Holderness;
(b) that officers arrange a further meeting as soon as possible between the Chief Executive of Yorkshire Water, ward councillors, and other appropriate councillors and officers to express the Council’s continuing concern at the noxious smells from the Hull Waste Water Treatment Works at Saltend, and
(c) that this Council asks the MP for the area to pursue this issue at national level to ensure that the appropriate measures are in place to control the design and operation of this and similar plants in the future.
“We told the Secretary of State just how awful, persistant and unacceptable the smells are from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant. We told him of Yorkshire Water’s broken promises and asked for his support in tackling this environmental menace. My constituents have put up with too much for too long. Every year Yorkshire Water promises changes to tackle the problem and every year the homes and journeys and lives of thousands of local people are polluted and poisoned by foul smells.
“We asked that the Secretary of State write on our behalf immediately to Yorkshire Water and following the powerful presentations from each member of the team he agreed to do so. I hope this pressure from the highest level of Government may be enough to persuade Yorkshire Water to get its act together and sort out the problem once and for all.”
The meeting took place in Hilary Benn’s office at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Present at the meeting: Hilary Benn MP, Graham Stuart MP, Steve Wood, Chairman of Preston Parish Council, Cllr Ann Suggit, Cllr Peter Turner and Cllr Jane Evison (ERYC)
Local MP takes Water Treatment Plant complaints to the top
2nd August, 2007
Local MP, Graham Stuart, has written to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Hilary Benn MP, requesting a meeting to discuss the Hull Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Residents living in the Hedon and Preston area are still finding the smells from the Yorkshire Water treatment plant at Saltend unbearable and, together with Councillors, have asked that the local MP raise the problem in Parliament.
Graham’s request for a meeting follows a full Council meeting, where members of East Riding Council were asked to take urgent action to find a solution to the “ongoing horrendous odour problems”. The motion, which was carried unanimously, stated that the “obnoxious stench still remains a daily problem”.
Graham said: “I’m determined to get this message across to Ministers and deal with the issue once and for all. Promises were made in 2000 by representatives of Yorkshire Water that it would be odour free, yet day after day, the battle to get rid of the stench continues. It is now time for Ministers to put pressure on Yorkshire Water to ensure that the people of South-West Holderness do not have to put up with the foul smell any longer.”
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council Motion reads:
27th June 2007
Yorkshire Water Sewage Plant - Moved by Councillor Suggit, seconded by Councillor Burton
Resolved - (a) That in view of the fact that at a meeting in October 2006 the Chief Executive of Yorkshire Water, gave assurances that by summer 2007 no further major problems would occur and if it did still exist Yorkshire Water would need to rethink the design and solutions to the problem and eight months later the obnoxious stench still remains a daily problem and we are totally sick of promises which do nothing for this area, the Council takes positive action urgently to find a solution to the ongoing horrendous odour problems which do nothing for the quality of life for residents of South West Holderness;
(b) that officers arrange a further meeting as soon as possible between the Chief Executive of Yorkshire Water, ward councillors, and other appropriate councillors and officers to express the Council’s continuing concern at the noxious smells from the Hull Waste Water Treatment Works at Saltend, and
(c) that this Council asks the MP for the area to pursue this issue at national level to ensure that the appropriate measures are in place to control the design and operation of this and similar plants in the future.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
BBC Watchdog 28th April
Did anyone see Watchdog last night? There was a piece on about water companies and their dodgy practices. Most worrying was a story about a couple from Scotland who spent a lot of money putting in a horse dressage training area on their land only to have it ruined by a massive sewage leak. It cost them £52k to have it put back once the sewage went away (twice what it cost to install) and the water company have no liability to rectify damage done by their sewage, only damage done by the water supply, e.g. burst water main. The same presumably would apply if there was any kind of spillage or other damage caused by sewage at the proposed plant in Hemingbrough.
Yorkshire Water supporting Hemingbrough residents
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yorkshire Water for their public information drop-in session held last night at the primary school. Documents and plans were available for inspection and Dafydd Williams headed up a group of Yorkshire Water and Costain representatives. Turnout was good and Hemingbrough residents had the opportunity to ask questions from the “technical people” (Dafydd Williams from Yorkshire Water's term, not mine).
An exit poll was carried out and feelings were that the “technical people” were unable to give answers to questions, were saying different things to different people and did not even agree amongst themselves. Some residents even said that it was “a waste of time”.
There was some useful information that came out of the drop-in session. Some residents discovered that this proposed site is only designed for the waste we have now, and that with further expansion of the village there will need to be expansion or addition to the proposed works in as little as 10 years time. Well, there’s an interesting development – I wonder how much closer to the village the works will be then?
Once again I would like to thank Yorkshire Water for supporting our cause and spectacularly shooting themselves in the foot, keep up the good work!
An exit poll was carried out and feelings were that the “technical people” were unable to give answers to questions, were saying different things to different people and did not even agree amongst themselves. Some residents even said that it was “a waste of time”.
There was some useful information that came out of the drop-in session. Some residents discovered that this proposed site is only designed for the waste we have now, and that with further expansion of the village there will need to be expansion or addition to the proposed works in as little as 10 years time. Well, there’s an interesting development – I wonder how much closer to the village the works will be then?
Once again I would like to thank Yorkshire Water for supporting our cause and spectacularly shooting themselves in the foot, keep up the good work!
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Request For Reference Sites
We have today requested from Yorkshire Water a list of reference sites where they have built the same facility as they propose in Hemingbrough, once we have the locations we will post on the site so that members of the village can visit and make their own judgement.
Change of Story
You may remember my blog telling you all that Yorkshire Water will pay for structural surveys to be done on any houses that may be affected by the volume of traffic involved in the waste treatment works construction. When I tried to find out about how we can get this done the story changed a little. Apparently Yorkshire Water will decide which houses they think need to be surveyed, using "rule of thumb" and history and experience and it would consist of only those houses very close to the road. Oh well, it was a nice idea while it lasted. I would suggest, however, anybody whose house is very close to the road should request a survey be carried out. This can be done by contacting Anna Smith at Yorkshire Water on 01977 522600.
Do Not Believe There Will Not Be A Smell
During Yorkshire Waters door stepping the other day some people where told that there would be no smell and some people where told the opposite, (come on YW get your story straight) but what ever Yorkshire Water wish to say about smell the truth of the matter is that it will smell, if you have had the pleasure of driving past the sewage treatment plant just over the new bridge on the Selby bypass you will know from experience that it stinks and this is whilst you are in your car!!!
Yorkshire Water can talk all they want about state of the art technology and we will not have an issue with smell but that is what they said about Salt End sewage works in Hull take a look for yourself here -
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/317604
Comment from Caravan Site Finder web site re Naburn
The site is set in a lovely location with a short walk to the river from which a river boat service into York city centre runs at weekends and during certain shool holidays. The 1 hour boat trip was a very relaxing way to get to and from York and we would highly recommend it. Don't be alarmed as you approach the site through Naburn - you will pass a sewage works but the site is well clear of the smell!
Yorkshire Water can talk all they want about state of the art technology and we will not have an issue with smell but that is what they said about Salt End sewage works in Hull take a look for yourself here -
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/317604
Comment from Caravan Site Finder web site re Naburn
The site is set in a lovely location with a short walk to the river from which a river boat service into York city centre runs at weekends and during certain shool holidays. The 1 hour boat trip was a very relaxing way to get to and from York and we would highly recommend it. Don't be alarmed as you approach the site through Naburn - you will pass a sewage works but the site is well clear of the smell!
We Are Not Alone
Proposed Peacehaven sewage works comes under renewed fire
03 April 2009
Southern Water's plans to build a sewage treatment works at Peacehaven to treat wastewater from Brighton and Hove could be delayed for years as protesters seek to block the project through the courts.
East Sussex County Council gave the scheme planning permission last year, and a High Court judge rejected an initial attempt by Peacehaven residents to hold a judicial review of that consent. But campaigners Peacehaven Residents Opposed to Urban Development (Proud), supported by local Labour MP Des Turner, are raising a "fighting fund" to pursue the case through the Appeal Courts and have pledged to take it to the European Court if necessary.
The new treatment works is needed to comply with European Union wastewater directives and the UK government faces infraction proceedings if the scheme does not go ahead.
03 April 2009
Southern Water's plans to build a sewage treatment works at Peacehaven to treat wastewater from Brighton and Hove could be delayed for years as protesters seek to block the project through the courts.
East Sussex County Council gave the scheme planning permission last year, and a High Court judge rejected an initial attempt by Peacehaven residents to hold a judicial review of that consent. But campaigners Peacehaven Residents Opposed to Urban Development (Proud), supported by local Labour MP Des Turner, are raising a "fighting fund" to pursue the case through the Appeal Courts and have pledged to take it to the European Court if necessary.
The new treatment works is needed to comply with European Union wastewater directives and the UK government faces infraction proceedings if the scheme does not go ahead.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Keeping you Informed
I have today spoken with Graham Rudman from Costain contractors. I rang him to ask whether a Risk Assessment had been completed regarding the traffic movements throughout Hemingbrough. This Risk Assessment forms part of their Traffic Management Mitigation Plan which deals with safety not only on site but also that of the surrounding community. This will be availble for inspection at the Yorkshire Water Exhibition at the School on Monday next.
Costain have agreed with North Yorkshire Highways Agency that traffic will be directed along Main Street onto Landing Lane in order to avoid traffic travelling past the school. Mr Rudman also confirmed that Costain will ensure deliveries avoid school ingress and egress times. They would also like to erect a notice board which would keep the community informed about delivery scheduling, an idea that he said he has spoken with our Parish Council about. I don't know where this would be sited, so keep your eyes open!! When I find out I will let you know. He also said that Costain would leaflet drop before any large vehicle movements to ensure the least disruption.
If you have any queries don't forget the drop-in exhibition next Monday.
Costain have agreed with North Yorkshire Highways Agency that traffic will be directed along Main Street onto Landing Lane in order to avoid traffic travelling past the school. Mr Rudman also confirmed that Costain will ensure deliveries avoid school ingress and egress times. They would also like to erect a notice board which would keep the community informed about delivery scheduling, an idea that he said he has spoken with our Parish Council about. I don't know where this would be sited, so keep your eyes open!! When I find out I will let you know. He also said that Costain would leaflet drop before any large vehicle movements to ensure the least disruption.
If you have any queries don't forget the drop-in exhibition next Monday.
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