A road surfacing company in Reading that has been contracted by the council has been accused of producing persistent odours and a health hazard to neighbours.
FM Conway operates an asphalt manufacturing plant in Wigmore Lane, Reading, to provide asphalt and materials for highway maintenance and infrastructure projects.
The company is contracted by the council as its primary highways maintenance and surfacing contractor.
But neighbours in West Reading have accused FM Conway of emitting noxious fumes and presenting a health risk for people inhaling these emissions.
These complaints have been raised with Reading Borough Council at a meeting of its policy committee.
Emily Brooke said: “The council has been made repeatedly aware by Reading residents of a persistent odour and associated negative health complaints that have strong correlations with wind direction and observed smoke from the FM Conway Plant located at Wigmore Lane, RG30. In relation to this issue: Why have stricter requirements not been placed on FM Conway to install marketleading odour, VOC, and dust extraction technologies?
This question was answered by John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy, said: “The FM Conway plant operates under an Environmental Permit issued by the council.
“Under this permit they are permitted to make discharges to air via their flue.
“As a roadstone coating plant, there is a limit placed on the amount of particulate matter they can discharge.
“Regular monitoring takes place to confirm that they meet this limit and the results are submitted to us.
“We carry out regular inspections to ensure that they are meeting the other requirements of their permit.”
Ms Brooke also asked the council to fully investigate the odours.
Cllr Ennis replied: “The Environmental Protection team has been investigating reports of the alleged odour, which includes the gathering of information from residents on locations and timings of the odour, and attending the locations of the reported odour at the reported times including early mornings.
“Due to the sporadic and short-lived nature of the odour, Environmental Health Officers have been unable to determine it to be a statutory nuisance as it does not meet the threshold for a substantial interference in the use and enjoyment of people’s property.
These exchanges took place at the council’s policy committee meeting in December last year.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service provided FM Conway with an opportunity to reply, which was provided today (Friday, February 20).
“Our plant at Wigmore Lane operates under an Environmental Permit issued by Reading Borough Council. The plant is regularly serviced and maintained, and independent testing has shown that our operations are in line with relevant legislation and local policy.”
