An environmentalist has raised concerns that a proposed renewable energy recycling plant in Sittingbourne will pump toxic fumes into the atmosphere.  

One of the largest privately-owned waste management companies in the south-east, the Countrystyle group, has applied to Kent County Council for permission to open a biomass power plant at Ridham Dock.  

 If successful the plant will convert 30,000 tons of waste wood from landfill producing enough electricity to power 6,300 homes via the national grid substation at Kemsley.  

However, Faversham and mid-Kent Green Party parliamentary candidate Tim Valentine said he was concerned that wood covered with lead paint or toxic metals would release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.   

He said: “I have some reservations about waste incineration as a power source because often the waste may be better used to recover useful material or it may not contribute much energy to the process. The first priority should be to reduce the amount of waste created in the first place. The second priority is to reuse waste material.   

"If Countrystyle are burning locally-sourced, low-grade waste wood that could not be put to an alternative use it could make a useful contribution to a low-carbon future, but I would want to be reassured there are adequate controls to clean the emissions, especially from residues such as paint.  

“The most efficient way to burn waste wood is in a local combined heat and power plant that supplies both heat and electricity to the local community and other businesses.

A spokesman for the company said:”The waste wood will contain small amounts of contamination which is the reason it has historically been sent to landfill rather than being recycled.

“The site will operate under an environmental permit and will undergo a detailed review of the design, specification, operation and control of the proposed technology to ensure the best available technique is employed throughout.”

A spokesman for Kent County Council said: “We are taking an in-depth look at provision for renewable energy in the county over the next few months.

“During spring and early summer 2010 we will assess the pros and cons of various types of renewable energy technology, and the role it could play in providing us with a secure and affordable energy supply in the future.”

For more information on the proposed Ridham Dock site visit www.countrystylegroup.co.uk . To find out more about renewable energy in the county visit www.renewable.energy@kent.gov.uk  

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