Work to relocate the Lakeside energy from waste (EfW) plant in Berkshire looks likely to go ahead, following the government’s decision to back a third runway at Heathrow Airport today (25 October).
The Colnbrook plant – a joint venture between Grundon and Viridor – currently sits just outside the Northern boundary of the airport and treats up to 410,000 tonnes of residual waste per year.
The Lakeside EfW plant (top right) as seen from Heathrow Airport
However, the plant would need to be moved in order to incorporate a third runway at the airport, which now appears likely following the receipt of government backing.
Grundon’s materials recycling facility, waste transfer stations, clinical waste plant and offices, would also have to be rebuilt to make way for the expansion.
‘Like for like’
Commenting on the government’s decision, a spokeswoman for the joint venture said: “Lakeside Energy from Waste Ltd will now seek to ensure the Lakeside Energy from Waste facility – and the associated waste management and recycling facilities within the Colnbrook complex – can be relocated on a like for like basis at a nearby suitable site, with minimal disruption, as soon as possible.
“We will work closely with Heathrow Airport Ltd and the relevant local and regulatory authorities to make sure these regionally significant facilities are delivered.”
Opened in 2010, the Lakeside EfW is a major treatment plant for municipal and commercial waste in the South East of England, with council contracts including Slough, Wiltshire and Poole.
The government’s plan to back proposals for a third runway at Heathrow comes some 13 years after the plan was first put forward, and follows a long debate on whether an alternative development at Gatwick in West Sussex should be pursued.
The scheme will now be taken forward in the form of a ‘National Policy Statement’ for consultation in the next year – which will be voted on by MPs. It is anticipated that if this is approved work could start on a new runway within the next decade.
‘Momentous’
Department for Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the decision to expand Heathrow was “truly momentous” and would secure “jobs and business opportunities” for the next decade and beyond.
A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world.
Chris Grayling, Secretary of State
Department for Transport
For surrounding homes and businesses caught up in the construction, he promised a “world class package of compensation and mitigation” worth up to £2.6 billion, which would include community support, insulation and respite from the noise.
Mr Grayling said: “A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
