Agency seeks comments on Great Porthamel Farm?s permit application

Environment Agency Wales is seeking the comments of local communities on GP Biotech’s application for an Environmental Permit to operate an Anaerobic Digestion facility with energy recovery at Great Porthamel Farm, near Talgarth.

The consultation will close on Friday 2 September 2011.

The Agency will only grant a permit if it is satisfied a proposed facility will not harm the health of local residents or damage the environment.

Environment Agency Wales’ role is to examine Environmental Permit applications and decide whether to grant or refuse the application. It will carry out an in-depth investigation to see if there would be any risk or harm from the site to the health of local people and the environment.

As part of this investigation, key agencies like Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys Teaching Health Board, Animal Health, and other consultees will be asked for their comments and to provide relevant information.

The Agency will also hold a drop in session to explain the application process, what an Environmental Permit does and doesn’t cover, and what issues can be considered during the determination process.

This session will provide local people with an opportunity to make their views on the application known. It will be held on Thursday 4th August at Talgarth Town Hall from 2pm ’ 7pm.

Copies of the application are available to view at the public registers held at Environment Agency Wales, Plas Yr Afon, St Mellons Business Park, Cardiff, CF3 0EY and Powys County Council, Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG.

People can inspect the register free of charge during normal office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, not bank holidays).

An electronic copy of the permit application is available at Talgarth Library.