§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action will be taken by the Environment Agency in respect of the air quality problems suffered in Castle Point over the last five months. [121541]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Environment Agency will continue its investigations into the cause of recent air quality problems and when completed, will decide on action in accordance with it's enforcement and prosecution policy.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has for improved air quality monitoring for Castle Point and the surrounding areas; [121542]
(2) what contingency plans she has put in place to deal with future air quality problems in Castle Point and surrounding areas. [121543]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Environment Agency confirm that there are improved procedures in place at the Pitsea landfill site to monitor and respond to odours produced by the site. Odour checks are carried out by the site operator twice daily, with off site checks carried out weekly. More comprehensive surveys are undertaken bimonthly. The site's odour action plan has been revised in the light of recent events to provide a better response to any odours identified.