THE Environment Agency has issued another update in relation to the "Calne Smell" which has been plaguing residents for weeks now, with a pungent, eggy whiff causing widespread concern.
The investigations into the odour continue with the Environment Agency looking at regulated activity at Compton Bassett Landfill.
A recent survey conducted by the Environment Agency identified specific emission points from the gas and leachate infrastructure at the landfill - leachate infrastructure refers to the systems designed to collect, manage, and treat the liquid that seeps through a landfill or other waste disposal site.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency told us: "The investigation is on-going and at present we cannot be sure that the only source of odour has been identified.
"Hills Waste Solutions are not the only possible source of odour in Calne and we continue to investigate other potential sources.
"A follow-up visit to a neighbouring facility operated by another company, is scheduled for the 24th April."
In an effort to mitigate the issue, Hills has begun installing temporary gas wells within the active cell to manage the odour. Additional wells will be installed throughout April as the cell continues to be filled.
A spokesperson for Hills Waste Solutions told Calne News: "Hills Waste Solutions operates to the highest levels of compliance at our landfill site and all other regulated activities at our Lower Compton and Sands Farm sites.
"There are other waste and landfill facilities in the Calne area, which are operated by other businesses and
are also regulated by the Environment Agency.
"Hills’ operations at both sites are heavily regulated and we continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to monitor and manage the sites in accordance with their permit obligations."
Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney has been working hard on behalf of residents to find the source of the whiff since it first became an issue. He has worked with Wessex Water, Wales & West Gas and the Environment Agency. As part of his work he has urged residents to report odour incidents.
Sam said: "Although the number of reported odour incidents has decreased to two to three per day, residents are still encouraged to report any occurrences of the smell."
To report odour incidents, residents can call the Environment Agency hotline at 0800807060, referencing the Calne briefing note, which identifies Compton Bassett as the suspected source.
Additionally, residents can email
The Environment Agency has allocated extra resources to the Calne area, and individuals who have previously reported odour incidents may receive follow-up calls as part of the ongoing investigation.
