Below is an Email sent to one of Kirkby Times contributors by Steve Gallagher, Knowsley Councils Chief Executive, on the 22 August 2003 in reference to complaints regarding Sonae.The email is reproduced in it's entirety un-edited as per usual on Kirkby Times. No comment will be added, none is really needed because after Gallagher's recent 15% pay rise this website has already tore into him and pronounced that the lads brushing up Kirkby town Centre are worth more than him. Make your own mind up after reading this sad excuse below which, if you take away the fancy words is really saying 'Sonae is alright'. He is , of course, talking out of his Knowsley Council script book - and his backside.

Thank you for your e-mail of the 19th August 2003, regarding operations at the Sonae Plant. I understand that Mr Turner has replied to your recent e-mail, but I would make the following comments in addition to those that you have already received;

The meeting to which you refer (see here) was called by George Howarth MP and I understand that you were invited to attend as you have made complaints about Sonae in the past. These meetings have continued for approximately 18 months and are chaired by George, with representatives from KATS (Knowsley Against Toxic Sonae) the Primary Care Trust, Sonae and some elected members and officers from both West Lancashire District Council and Knowsley Council. The meeting is termed a Liaison Group and was set up, primarily to give George Howarth an insight into the issues surrounding the plant operation and an awareness of community concerns and the Liaison Group formed a link between the factory and the community. Discussions are usually frank and frequently technical.

The legal requirements imposed on the Plant operation are made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and guidance documents and Air Quality notes specific to the process, issued by the Secretary of State, and which the Council must have regard to. Monitoring of the Plant is carried out on a regular basis and I am sure that it was pointed out to you that this monitoring is carried out under the observation of a Council Officer and to an agreed, accredited procedure. This in itself is a requirement of the legislation.


Monitoring outside the Plant, particularly in relation to odours, is based on the significance of the odour and this judged against the control or arrestment plant that the company employ. This is also based on guidance and direction on how the Plant should be controlled.

The process is subject to conditions of an Authorisation. This is available to view on a public register at the Kirkby Municipal Building. In addition, new legislation has required that Sonae make a further application for a permit, under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000. This application is currently being considered by officers in the Environmental Protection Team.

In May 2003, a planning application made by Sonae was approved by Council, to erect a higher chimney stack to aid dispersion of odours. The timescale on the installation is a matter of discussion between the company and Council Officers.

I am aware that there has been a substantial amount of time spent on investigation of complaints about Sonae particularly odour and dust. I can confirm that controlled emissions are within the statutory limits. The instances of odour should be reduced by the erection of the higher chimney.

I have written at some length on this issue. I can assure you that the concerns of the community are being taken seriously and that officers are pressing for a solution.


Yours sincerely

STEVE GALLAGHER

Chief Executive

c.c.Janet Orchard

Cllr Brian O'Hare