Two fires at Grundon waste plants

Dec 1 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE PA has learned that there have been two fires in the space of just three months at Grundon Waste Management plants south of the border.

They both took place in Berkshire – and the Environment Agency was investigating one of the outbreaks and considering whether to take enforcement action.

The largest blaze took place at Colnbrook in Berkshire.

It started on Friday, May 15, and firefighters were still carrying out damping down operations on the Sunday.

It was described by Berkshire Fire and Rescue as a “serious incident” and seven fire engines, including a high velocity pump, control and command units and an aerial ladder, were called to the scene.

A report in the Waste Management News indicated that more than 50 per cent of the sorting part of the plant was damaged.

Firefighters used thousands of litres of water from a nearby lake to tackle the outbreak.

The second incident took place at Grundon’s Star Lane Treatment Plant at Knowl Hill, near Maidenhead, on February 20 this year.

The carbon filter section of the plant’s odour abatement system caught fire.

Barrie Howe, an environment management team leader at the Environment Agency, said: “The Health Protection Agency assessed the incident at the request of the fire service and concluded that there was minimal risk of exposure.”

He added: “We are now investigating the causes and circumstances of the fire to learn lessons and assess the case for possible enforcement action. “

There was also a major blaze at the Holden Environmental recycling centre in Perth in late October.

That had provided the city with a taste of what could lie in wait for residents if plans for the £100 million incinerator ever materialise.

Speaking of the Shore Road incident, MP Pete Wishart described it as “a salutary lesson” of what could happen.

“Incinerators have no place in city centres,” he asserted.

“The risks posed to the public are just too high and this was a timely reminder.

“That incident simply underlines why the council has to revoke the outline consent.”

Campaigner Dave Beattie, of Bridgend Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council, painted a nightmare scenario if the incinerator were to get the go-ahead – and there was a major fire.

“It would create a real pollution nightmare, with toxins pumping out over Perth.

“You could see a large scale evacuation being required, starting with Perth Prison, which is the most densely populated building in the city.”