The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit for Mineral Processing Ltd’s South Elmsall waste site following multiple breaches and a failed appeal against an earlier suspension notice.
The revocation means the company must stop all permitted waste activities and begin removing material from the site. The company has 20 working days to appeal, during which the permit remains active.
This action follows a ruling from the Planning Inspectorate on 3 June, which dismissed the company’s appeal against the Environment Agency’s 2024 suspension notice. The Inspectorate found the site held significantly more waste than permitted, including unauthorised and hazardous materials, and posed multiple pollution risks. These included groundwater and surface water contamination, air pollution from dust and odour, and increased methane levels.
Mineral Processing Ltd is now under investigation for suspected offences committed since the suspension notice was issued. The Agency is also assessing further enforcement actions, including prosecution.
Monitoring efforts are ongoing, including odour tracking and site inspections. The operator has been ordered to submit an Odour Management Plan. The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Wakefield Council and the UK Health Security Agency.
