From the moment the Environmental Permit was granted to Biomass UK No 2, I have encouraged the people of Barry to raise their concerns about the risks posed by the incinerator and I have endeavoured to take strategic action to support the community

Over the course of the last 18 months, I have attended and facilitated meetings with a wide range of agencies including, Natural Resources Wales, DIAG, Barry Town Council, Associated British Ports, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health Wales, the Health and Safety Executive and the Future Generations Commissioner.

Since the granting of the permit, I have concentrated on:

Seeking an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for the second planning application

Raising this issue with the Environment Minister via my questions in the Assembly

The repercussive effects of an incident at the plant

The review by the Future Generations Commissioner

The eligibility of the Biomass plant for the Renewable Obligations Certificate subsidy

The responsibilities of the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

The water quality in the Docks

I made the case for an EIA in direct response to the Biomass Second Planning Application for a Fire Water Tank and Car Park and my paper sets out the criteria for an EIA on the Biomass Plant at Barry Docks.

I have also met and entered into correspondence with the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency seeking information and assurances concerning the risk to industry on the Docks Estate, should an incident at the Incinerator threaten a domino effect upon Dow Silicones, Hexion UK, S and K Haulage, the Bomar Quest and the Stolt Sandpiper chemical tankers that frequently visit Barry Docks with chemical cargoes.

In November 2017, I met with the Future Generations Commission Director of Policy, Legislation and Innovation. I am pleased to say that the Commissioner has announced a review of how the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act applies to NRW’s environmental permitting decisions.

I have written again to the Commissioner assuring her of my assistance and have sent her my paper on EIA Criteria and my more extensive Impact Assessment over the last 18 months.

I will continue my efforts to support community opposition to the incinerator.