SUFFOLK TOGETHER SAYS NO TO WASTE INCINERATORS
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An artists impression of how the proposed the Suffolk incinerator could look.
A 245,000 tonne incinerator can emit over 400,000,000 cubic metres of exhaust gases per day, including dioxins, furans, 100% element mercury, lead, cadmium - the emissions are coloured here in grey for illustration purposes |
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Suffolk County Council’s proposal to build a giant incineration plant is to be vigorously fought by the Suffolk Together Party who are leading a campaign to oppose the plan.
Suffolk County Council’s proposal is to burn waste in a massive plant which would produce toxic greenhouse gases and dangerous waste material that pose a serious threat to health. The waste could be brought from as far away as London.
The heath impacts of burning waste are well documented. Leading British dioxin expert Professor Alistair Hay of Leeds University said: "This is not good news at all. Burning plastic containers, many of which are found in household rubbish is a particularly rich source of dioxins."
Shown below are maps showing the effects of on infant deaths downwind of waste incinerators. |
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The towns of Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe lie to the east of the propsed site, i.e downwind and therefore in the path of toxic emissions.
"It is clear that there are serious and genuine concerns about the harmful effects on both health and countryside from incineration which is why many councils are now considering more environmentally friendly, safer options, that can also provide carbon-free electricity generation. There is no safe way to burn waste.” said Peter Welham, Deputy Chairman of Suffolk Together.
“These major environmental and health issues seem totally out of line with increasing concerns for the environment and Suffolk’s declared aim of being the greenest county in the UK.” |
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| "While we accept that dumping waste in landfill sites is not the solution, the wholesale burning of waste producing massive amounts of CO2 and toxic gases cannot be the way forward. The right answer is to increase recycling and re-using materials and put emphasis on dramatically reducing packaging. Other approaches such as anaerobic digestion should also be seriously considered“ Welham continued.
As a result of widespread opposition, Norfolk County Council’s plan to build an incinerator at Costessey was halted and Suffolk Together believes the same should happen here. Suffolk Together is already in contact with other national and regional groups opposed to incineration and will be drawing on their experiences.
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