Walleys Quarry ordered to shut down by Environment Agency
The Environment Agency has told Walleys Quarry, in Staffordshire, it needs to shut down permanently.
It says it has issued this closure notice after "exhausting other enforcement options".
The company running the site has been told it'll have to stop accepting new waste from Friday 29th November, permanently cap the remainder of the site and install further landfill gas management infrastructure.
Walleys said in a statement that it will challenge this decision "using all available options", saying "as a business we completely reject the accusations made by the Environment Agency relating to poor management of the landfill site".
People living in neighbouring Newcastle-under-lyme have been complaining about the smell as far back as 2011 and the Newcastle-under-Lyme Council said the numbers were rising.
They saw "290 complaints in October of the foul gas odours reported to the council, which is more than in October 2023, 2022 and 2021."
The Environment Agency says normally a site like Walleys Quarry would be subject to ten inspections a year. Walleys Quarry has been inspected more than 180 times in four years.
How did we get here?
Background
1997: A former clay quarry in Staffordshire becomes a landfill.
2007: Waste starts being dumped in the quarry.
2016: Walleys Quarry Limited buy the quarry.
Stop the Stink!
2019: The first group protesting the odours coming for the quarry formed. They would later be called "Stop the Sink".
February 2021: Stop the Sink start leading protests against the Walleys Quarry site.
March 2021: Two thousand complaints about the quarry's smell were sent to the Environment Agency. Staffordshire County Council call an emergency meeting to try and stop the landfill operating.
July 2021: Newcastle-under-Lyme Council begin legal action against the quarry.
July 2021: Respiratory specialist says the quarry's Toxic fumes are 'creating a public health emergency'.
August 2021 - Protestors blockade entrance to the site. Staffordshire Police arrest three men.
The legal Battle
December 2021: Environment Agency being investigating alleged illegal waste activity.
February-April 2022: More protests are organised by Stop the Stink. One man chains himself to the site's gates.
April-May 2022: Campaigners are banned last month from protesting outside Walleys Quarry. They Give up their fight to overturn the injunction.
March 2024 The Environment Agency (EA) issues a suspension notice to Walleys Quarry in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
July/August 2024: The Walleys Quarry Committee of Inquiry is held, with speakers including experts and local residents
August 2024 - The Environment Agency defends its decision not to force the closure of the controversial Walley's Quarry.
November 2024 Newcastle Council appoints legal team for their case against the quarry.
Ian Jones, Environment Agency West Midlands area director, said:
“We have every sympathy with the local community and have worked tirelessly to resolve the problem of landfill gas emissions from the site.
“In doing so, we have taken a robust approach to regulating Walleys Quarry Ltd. Our aim has always been to bring the operator into compliance with its permit and the decision to issue a Closure Notice is not one we take lightly.
“We have given Walleys Quarry Ltd sufficient time to put in place effective measures to manage emissions and it has failed to do so.”
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
“The Environment Agency is the main regulator for this site and for far too long this authority has been urging it to act on behalf of a community under siege.
“Complaints to the council about the foul gas odours have soared this year, already more than double the whole of 2023, and I hope that this action by the EA is the first step to a permanent solution for our residents.
“I would encourage residents to carry on reporting the foul smells every time they happen to both the council and the EA.”
Asked how this move affects the borough council’s legal action against Walleys Quarry Ltd, Simon Tagg said: “We remain committed to doing all we can to help residents within our powers and will take account of this evolving situation.”
Labour Mp for Newcastle-Under-Lyme Adam Jogee said:
"For years, Walleys Quarry has caused unacceptable harm to Newcastle-under-Lyme. This closure notice acknowledges the devastating impact the site has had on residents who have endured far too much for far too long.
"Crucially, while this is a significant step forward, the immediate focus must now shift to ensuring the site is safely restored and managed. I will work closely with the Environment Agency, local authorities, and other key stakeholders to make sure the site is properly capped, maintained, and restored.
"This is essential for protecting the health and wellbeing of our community in the years ahead. I am fully committed to seeing this process through, ensuring it is handled swiftly and effectively, and holding all parties accountable for delivering these critical outcomes."
A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry said: “We have received a closure notice from the Environment Agency.
"We are clear that keeping the site open delivers greatest benefit and sustainability for the site. We will challenge this decision using all available options.
"Walleys Quarry have made extensive factual and legal submissions to the Environment Agency which in our view they have not substantively engaged with.
"As a business we completely reject the accusations made by the Environment Agency relating to poor management of the landfill site.”
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know