A PETITION is being launched to fight plans which could see an incinerator built on Deeside.
Anxious councillors and residents fear a massive waste treatment facility for most of North Wales will be built on their doorstep after the Welsh Government agreed to fund the North Wales Residual Waste Treatment Project.
No decision has been made on the type of technology or a site to deal with residual waste from Flintshire, Denbighshire, Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy.
But an outline business case presented by project bosses gave Deeside Industrial Estate as an example of a possible location for an incinerator to handle waste which cannot be recycled.
Later this month waste treatment experts will address a public meeting in Connah’s Quay discussing the likely impact of emissions.
Connah’s Quay councillor Aaron Shotton is leading the campaign launched by the town council.
He said: “We feel it is important local residents have the opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposals. This meeting is a result of the town council’s decision to voice its objections.
“Incineration seems to be the only show in town and to have that in close proximity to one of the largest residential areas in North Wales, I think people are going to be very concerned.
“We will also be looking to launch a petition at the meeting. I would urge as many people as possible to come along.”
Cllr Shotton said the three companies shortlisted to carry out the project are experts in incineration – prompting fears it will be the technology of choice.
Residents will have the chance to ask questions and air their views during the meeting.
The Connah’s Quay Town Council organised meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at 6pm at the Civic Hall.
A project spokesman has assured no decision on where the facility will be has been made.
The spokesman said: “The partnership recently undertook a public consultation on key aspects of the project such as the potential use of rail to transport the waste to the treatment facility. The results of that consultation are now being looked at with a view to publishing those results.
“No decisions have been made yet. The project timetable has been extended to allow the bidders more time to work on their technical proposals.
“This means the decision on whether road or rail will be used to transport the waste will now be made in March 2012, with the three bidders being reduced to two in June/July 2012.
“The remaining bidders will then submit their final tenders in late 2012 and the preferred bidder will be appointed in early/mid 2013. A planning application will then follow.
“Any new operation to treat residual waste must first gain planning permission from the local authority and a permit from Environment Agency Wales before it can be constructed and operated.
“If an operator receives an environmental permit, this will include strict conditions on how the plant works and is managed and the Environment Agency Wales will enforce those conditions to make sure it meets the standard expected to protect people and the environment.”