Residents Fight Asbestos Waste Site
Residents in the small English town of Chesterfield have waged a fight against the opening of a toxic waste dump at a site they claim is just meters from their front doors.
The Residents Against Asbestos Waste (RAAW) is battling a plan by Aspect Contracts to build a “waste transfer station” in their neighborhood, notes an article in The Derbyshire Times. Those involved in the campaign say they fear health-related problems as three-quarters of the waste dump will contain asbestos debris.
Louise Kendrick, age 38, whose home on Langtree Avenue overlooks the proposed site, said: “It’s outrageous [that] this is being suggested in a densely populated area close to homes and a children’s playground.”
“We’re appalled and concerned about potential health implications and Chesterfield becoming the dumping ground for everyone’s waste,” Kendrick added.
The company claims that waste would be in enclosed, lockable containers that would be sealed at all times while not in use and that the containers would not present a health hazard to neighbors.
Aspect Contracts claim the development would fulfill a waste management need as it would be the only in the area, and the company points out that it would reduce landfill. The 0.139 hectare site would be swept weekly, they stress.
“All asbestos waste is inspected and packaged and sealed in accordance with legislation and as a result no escape of waste, dust or debris occurs,” said a company spokesperson.