Pledge from boss of Ensus over smells

Apr 29 2010 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

THE chief executive of the Ensus bio- ethanol project on Teesside has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to solve the problem of strong odours coming from the plant.

Europe’s largest wheat biorefinery began its start-up process in February, but this week the Environment Agency stepped in after residents living near the Wilton site complained about pungent smells coming from the site.

Chief executive Alwyn Hughes said the company was working “night and day” to rectify the problem and avoid an enforced closure for the £300m plant.

He said work has already begun to double the height of large steam stacks that would help disperse the smell, at a cost that was as yet unknown.

“The smell is coming from driers used to produce animal feed, which is a critical part of what we do,” said Mr Hughes.

“It’s unacceptable and we’re working night and day to rectify it.

“Holes are in the ground, the foundations are being dug as we speak.

“We’ve already made some progress on reducing the smell, but clearly we haven’t made enough and we accept that.

“We will increase the stack from 40 meters to 80 metres, which will disperse the smell a lot more effectively. We’re confident that will solve the problem but, just in case, we are also talking to other companies with experience of this about the technologies that are out there.”

He added: “If we don’t perform on this, the Environment Agency could close the plant. We clearly take that very seriously. We are getting on with the work without any scoping or detailed estimates, and without knowing the exact costs, because we are committed to spending whatever it takes to fix this as quickly as possible.”

The ultra low-carbon plant produce green road transport fuel, animal feed and for the drinks industry, using 1.2m tonnes of surplus wheat a year and without impacting on food crops.

The facility was beset by delays throughout its construction phase ranging from Arctic weather conditions to sympathy strikes by its 1,000-strong construction team, which were entirely unrelated to the Ensus project.

Annual production from the plant alone is expected to meet about a third of the UK requirement under the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), which requires 3.5% of all transport fuel in 2010-2011 to come from biofuels. The saving in carbon emissions will be equivalent to taking 300,000 cars of the road.

“We genuinely appreciate the support we are receiving on this,” added Mr Hughes, “and we seek the patience and further support of residents.”