Decision to let incinerator burn more waste types defended

The Environment Agency (EA) has defended its decision to approve changes allowing a planned incinerator to burn more types of waste.

It comes after Dorset Council said it would formally challenge the move, accusing the regulator of failing to address the wider risks of the plan.

Council leader Nick Ireland said the EA's decision "highlights a narrow regulatory test" but "does not address the wider risks and impacts for Dorset's communities and environment".

The agency said it could not consider issues such as the suitability of the site or the impact of vehicle movements, as these were matters for the planning authority.

An EA spokesperson said: "Based on the evidence assessed so far, we are satisfied that adding the proposed waste types is unlikely to result in any additional environmental impacts."

The EA added that the draft variation notice only updated the list of permitted waste types and did not include any changes to emission limits or other permit conditions.

Powerfuel Portland, the company behind the project, welcomed the regulator's decision.

Director Giles Frampton said: "Powerfuel recognises the EA as the responsible UK statutory regulator and notes it is the only public body with the technical expertise and experience to make a decision on this matter."

But council leader Ireland said the authority was "very disappointed" by the EA's stance and would submit a further response opposing it, adding the council "strongly opposed a waste incinerator in this sensitive location".

The consultation on the permit variation runs until 31 July.

The incinerator is expected to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste a year, creating energy for 30,000 homes, when it opens at Portland Port in 2030.

Permission was initially rejected by Dorset Council but approved by the government in 2024 following an appeal.

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