Inquiry plea over 'egg-like' smell in borough

An inquiry into an "overpowering egg-like stench" thought to eminate from a waste disposal site has been called for.

Matt Ward, a councillor in Walsall, said residents had endured the stench from Highfields Waste Disposal Site for months and he had written to the Environment Agency (EA).

Work was carried out at the site a few years ago following a petition about "the horrendous smell from the landfill site".

The Environment Agency said it was investigating. Enovert, which manages the landfill, said it would work with the regulator and the site was operated in accordance with its environmental permit.

Repairs and upgrades were carried at at the site by Enovert North Ltd in 2020.

"For months, residents have endured an overpowering stench, described as a gassy, egg-like odour that seeps into homes and outdoor spaces," Ward wrote in a letter to the EA.

"Many have reported nausea, headaches, and disrupted sleep because of the severity of the smell."

He called for the EA to carry out an investigation into operations at the site and find a long-term solution to prevent the issue from returning.

An agency spokesperson said it was sorry residents were experiencing odour issues thought to originate from Highfields landfill.

"We are investigating with Enovert North Ltd, who manage the landfill, and we are carrying out our own odour monitoring surveys."

A spokesperson for Enovert North Ltd said it had been unaware of Ward's letter to the EA.

"We await contact from the regulator and will work with them should they wish to undertake a review of our operations outside of any routine regulation of the site.

"Enovert's Highfield South Landfill site is operated in accordance with its environmental permit, and we are happy to discuss any concerns directly with local councillors."

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