Environment Agency Validates 250m Windrow Buffer Zone

Environment Minister Joan Ruddock has announced that the Environment Agency has decided that the 250 metre buffer zone for open windrow composting sites is still valid.

Mrs. Ruddock said that the length of the buffer zone had been reexamined due to concerns raised by Barnsley West and Penistone MP, Michael Clapham regarding about the hazards of bioaerosols. Clapham claims that the 250m buffer zone was too small and did not protect people living in close proximity to the composting sites from being subjected to bioaerosols and odours. It was noted, however, that figures vary widely depending on location.

Mr. Clapham made reference to a former open site in Stourbridge which caused health problems for local residents even though it was located within buffer limits. He said: “A man who acted as a consultant to the group that opposed the site advises me that it was closed because of excessive amounts of odour and bioaerosol emissions.”

The issue was brought up during a parliamentary debate on June 24 when Clapham claimed that “the bioaerosol (or organic dust) Aspergiluus Fumigatus, a fungus that can cause serious respiratory problems and is produced by composting, was found in the lungs of two people who lived near the Stourbridge site.”

Reports show that 10 other residents had contracted other infections which were caused by the high concentration of bioaerosols.

A recent German study examined the area near a windrow site in Geissen and discovered evidence showing that windrow composting is damaging to health. According to the MP, this information has not been considered by the Health and Safety Executive.

For more information, visit: environment-agency.gov.uk