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Residents in south London are expressing significant health concerns following a decision by the Environment Agency (EA) to permit an increase in the volume of waste burned annually at a local facility. The Beddington incinerator, situated near Sutton, has been granted approval to process an additional 35,000 tonnes of waste each year, raising its annual limit to over 382,000 tonnes. This 10% increase has sparked considerable anxiety among those living nearby.

Jim, a long-term resident of almost two decades, describes a noticeable decline in local air quality since the incinerator commenced operations. He regularly encounters a distinct, toxic chemical smell, especially during calm weather, accompanied by a lingering taste in his throat. Furthermore, he has observed fine dust accumulating on windowsills, which he believes is directly attributable to the plant’s activities. His alarm intensified upon learning of the EA’s recent approval, expressing fury that residents would now be exposed to a greater quantity of emissions. A particular point of contention is the proximity of a school, located merely 700 meters from the incinerator’s chimneys.

Sutton Council has also formally registered its strong disapproval of the Environment Agency’s decision. The council argues that the Beddington facility already lacks the capacity to safely manage its current waste volume. Additionally, they highlighted a history of repeated breaches of environmental permits by Viridor, the company operating the site, which has resulted in a downgrade of its compliance rating. Christopher Woolmer, chair of the council’s environment committee, conveyed his deep disappointment, stressing the imperative for such waste management facilities to uphold the highest environmental and safety standards at all times.

However, the council itself faced scrutiny from independent councillor Nick Matty, who described it as “absurd” for an authority championing a “smarter, greener, fairer” agenda to host a site generating substantial CO2 emissions. In response to the criticisms, Viridor stated that their application had undergone an independent review by the Environment Agency, suggesting the facility possesses the necessary capability to handle the increased processing volume responsibly.

This contentious issue underscores a fundamental tension between the industrial necessity of waste processing and the paramount importance of public health and environmental protection. The debate raises questions about the adequacy of regulatory oversight and the balancing act required to meet both economic and societal needs.

1. What is the main topic of the article?

• A.The general problem of waste management in London.
• B.Local opposition to an incinerator’s increased waste processing capacity.
• C.The Environment Agency’s role in approving industrial expansions.
• D.The health effects of air pollution on south London residents.

2. How much additional waste is the Beddington incinerator now permitted to process annually?

• A.10 tonnes.
• B.700 tonnes.
• C.35,000 tonnes.
• D.382,000 tonnes.

3. What can be inferred about Viridor’s environmental practices based on the article?

• A.They have previously failed to fully comply with environmental regulations.
• B.They are committed to adopting greener technologies in their operations.
• C.They have a perfect record of environmental compliance, according to the EA.
• D.They are primarily concerned with reducing CO2 emissions from the facility.

4. How does Jim, the resident, feel about the incinerator’s increased capacity?

• A.Relieved that waste is being managed more efficiently.
• B.Indifferent, as he has lived near it for a long time.
• C.Optimistic that improvements will be made to air quality.
• D.Furious and deeply worried about the health implications.

5. In the fourth paragraph, what does the word “imperative” mean?

• A.Suggestive.
• B.Essential.
• C.Optional.
• D.Controversial.