THE Environment Agency has launched a consultation process for an environmental permit application in Redditch for a refinery facility.
The proposals are from Kaug Refinery Services at a site on Merse Road, Moons Moat North Industrial Estate.
The controversial planning application was approved by Worcestershire County Council in November 2023, and more than 600 Redditch residents lodged complains about the factory, saying not only will it create noise pollution but it will cause environmental damage.
The company has run a similar site in Birmingham, under an environmental permit for over 20 years and the Environment Agency said it has a good record of compliance.
KRS recovers and refines precious metals from waste, including industrial materials, such as cyanide solutions and acids.
The company’s plan will see an existing industrial unit converted for smelting and chemical recycling.
As the plant will emit nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere, the company must still obtain air quality permits from the Environment Agency (EA) and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “An environmental permit sets the requirement which an operator must meet when operating this site.
“We assess all permit applications to make sure they meet the requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR).
“When we consider a permit application we review the design of the proposed site, how it will be operated, the emissions it will generate and whether it will meet the required standards.
“We consult professional partners, such as local councils, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Fire and Rescue Service (FRS).
“We also take into consideration the competence of the operator to run the facility.”
Dr David Young, KRS’ planning agent, said: “We are not being forced to relocate and are currently operating within the EA rules.
“We have deliberately chosen an industrial estate as the new base and the smelting and recycling would be on an extremely small-scale.”
The public consultation is open from September 9 until November 1.
Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/b98-9hl-kaug-refinery-services-limited/ to submit your thoughts.
