Neil Parish MP writes to the Environment Secretary regarding the impact of large scale anaerobic digestor (AD) plants on communities in Devon. 

In a joint letter with Mel Stride MP (Central Devon) to the Environment Secretary, George Eustice MP, Neil outlined the concerns of a number of local residents about the development of industrial scale AD plants in Devon. While Neil welcomes the introduction of small-scale AD plants on farms - for mitigating waste products and producing biofuel – he expressed concern that their use on an industrial scale raises sustainability issues, as well as detrimental implications for road infrastructure and the environment.

He urged the Secretary of State to review the Government’s strategy for AD plants to ensure any planning decisions for prospective plants are carried out in full consultation with local communities that may be affected.

Neil Parish MP said:

“Small-scale AD plants present a valuable opportunity for farmers to utilise the by-products of their crops and animal materials and convert the waste into renewable biogas. However, I do have concerns about the wider use of industrial-scale AD plants, and the impacts they have upon on the environment and local residents.

“The stream of HGVs required to transport waste and biofuel to and from AD plants puts pressure on rural road networks, there are issues with air and liquid pollutants, in particular the release of gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as the transmission of harmful leachate into watercourses. And there are also wider issues around sustainability at a time when food security is in question. Industrial-scale AD plants have also been known to import biomass from farms that are far beyond county borders – we should be using biomass from local waste food and animal products, rather than edible crops acquired from considerable distances.”

You can view a copy of the joint letter below or click here to view it on Neil's Twitter page.