As previously reported, we are not taking any more wood onto site for the foreseeable future until current tonnages have been reduced considerably. The Biomass Renewable Energy Plant at Blackburn Meadows has now begun to take biomass fuel on a daily basis. As a result, our plant is now going through the testing stages in readiness to begin processing biomass fuel to the required daily tonnages. Once fully operational, our plant has the capacity to process up to 80 tonnes of wood per hour.

In conjunction with The Environment Agency, current plans and operating procedures are being redeveloped at the site to improve the management of the wood piles. Once fully operational, the number and size of wood piles on site will be reduced. A minimal volume of processed biomass will be stored on site with the majority being transported directly to the renewable energy plant as soon as it is manufactured. The wood stacks are being monitored at regular intervals to record temperature and hot spots meaning any areas of concern will be dealt with immediately.

As you may be aware, we did experience problems with run-off water during the fire which posed a threat to the local environment. Drainage on site has been completely reviewed and we will be making ongoing improvements to the current set up. Run-off water is now being directed towards and contained within our storage lagoons on Whams Road. We are in the process of tankering this material away for disposal and apologise for any odour this activity is causing for road-users and residents in the vicinity of the lagoons.

One of the drainage management projects being considered is dredging the lagoons on Whams Road to increase their capacity for water storage going forward. Should this project take place, then there is the possibility of odours being generated during dredging. We will ensure that residents living in the immediate area are forewarned as to when this is due to take place by leaflet drop.

We would like to thanks residents for their ongoing patience throughout the entire incident and whilst we carry out essential development work to the site.