The Hemswell Biogas Plant - Find a freedom of information request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request information regarding the operation and impact of the Hemswell Biogas Plant, operated by Biotech 4, on the surrounding community and environment. This request is intended to gather data on the real-world effects of the plant and ensure transparency about its operations and regulatory compliance.

I request the following:

1. Health Impact Assessments

a) Any assessments, studies, or reports evaluating the public health impact of the Hemswell Biogas Plant, including:

b) Airborne emissions of ammonia, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

c) Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and other microorganisms potentially linked to the plant's operations.

d) Effects of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) on respiratory health in nearby populations.

Records of any public health complaints or investigations related to the plant's emissions or activities.

2. Transport and Traffic Issues

Any transport assessments conducted as part of the planning application or subsequent monitoring, specifically:

a) The volume and frequency of HGV movements associated with the plant.

b) Routes used by HGVs and their impact on local roads and residential areas.

c) Mitigation measures to minimize traffic congestion, noise, and safety risks.

d) Records of any traffic-related incidents, complaints, or concerns raised by residents or businesses.

3. Pollution and Environmental Impact

a) Results of air quality monitoring in the vicinity of the plant, including levels of:

i) Ammonia.

ii) Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

iii) VOCs and particulate matter.

b) Results of water quality monitoring in nearby watercourses potentially affected by the plant, including nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) and any contamination incidents.

c) Details of measures implemented to manage or mitigate pollution risks, including odour control technologies and spill containment systems.

4. Residential Disruption

a) The distance of the Hemswell Biogas Plant from the nearest residential properties, schools, or sensitive receptors.

b) Records of any odour complaints or reports of noise disturbances filed by residents.

c) Details of how these complaints have been addressed or resolved.

5. Planning Compliance and Stakeholder Involvement

a) Confirmation of whether the plant complies with planning regulations regarding proximity to residential areas and sensitive receptors.

b) A record of any conditions or restrictions imposed during the planning approval process.

c) Without breaching confidentiality, I request:

i) Names of organisations or individuals who submitted formal comments or evidence supporting the plant during the planning process.

ii) Records of any public consultations held or correspondence exchanged regarding the plant's impact on the community.

Reason for Request:

This request aims to understand the Hemswell Biogas Plant's real-world impact on the local community and environment, particularly concerning public health, transport infrastructure, and residential disruption. Transparency in these matters is crucial for assessing whether similar developments are appropriate in other locations.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. You would need to contact the Environmental Health team at West Lindsey District Council to discuss these issues.

2. Any relevant documents related to a planning application for the site will be available through the planning portal https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/planning/find-planningapplication

3. Lincolnshire County Council does not conduct air quality monitoring – you would need to contact West Lindsey District Council

4. b) The Council has received one complaint regarding odour concerns. No noise complaints have been received. Received 27 October 2016 - INV/C/0054/16

Alleged breach: Odours across a wide area – including Springthorpe some 4 miles away to the west of the AD plant and the digestate lagoon

c) A site visit was undertaken and contact made with the site operator, no breach of planning control was identified. No further action was required, the alleged breach was approved for closure 9 November 2016.

5. Details of any conditions imposed through the planning process for any individual planning application will be available through the planning portal. As will details of organisations and individuals that submitted comments as part of the planning process: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/planning/find-planning-application