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Jul 01, 2023

Consultation launched on MVV’s Medworth EfW permit

The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on MVV’s application for an

The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on MVV's application for an environmental permit for its 625,000 tonnes per year capacity energy from waste (EfW) plant in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

Launched last week (31 May) and running until 28 June 2023, the consultation can take account of issues such as the impact of noise and odours, the process of the facility and relevant environmental standards.

It can not take into account issues such as whether the facility should be allowed on a matter of principle.

A spokesman for MVV said: "We look forward to working with the Environment Agency on the approval of our permit application, the process for which will run in parallel with our application for a Development Consent Order."

In the non-technical summary for the application, MVV explained that the facility will have a maximum operating capacity of 625,600 tonnes per annum and will contain two thermal treatment lines.

Each line will incorporate an advanced moving grate furnace, high pressure steam boiler, air pollution control plant, continuous emissions monitoring system and a discharging chimney. The two chimneys on the proposed site will have a height of 84 metres.

Waste sourced from "household, industrial and commercial" sources will be delivered from pre-approved suppliers in enclosed or covered waste collection vehicles.

The design of the steam turbine system will also allow for heat export to local heat consumers, in the form of medium pressure steam, subject to suitable commercial arrangements being established. Heat that cannot be recovered in the form of electricity or steam will be dissipated through an air cooled condenser.

MVV launched its own consultation on the proposals in 2021 (see letsrecycle.com story).

As part of the early stages of the pre-planning process for the proposal, MVV Environment undertook an initial period of non-statutory consultation in 2020. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and associated restrictions, the planned statutory consultation period has been delayed until now.

MVV said in 2021 that around £300 million of funding has already been secured for the facility, which will have a 40-year life span. MVV will also go to the Planning Inspectorate for approval.

It is anticipated that construction will take around three years, during this time employing up to 700 people.

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