WORRIED councillors have expressed concern at the prospect of hazardous materials being transported by road through Warrington.
One or two tankers carrying anhydrous ammonia will use the A562 Widnes Road daily to get to Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station (pictured), if a planning application is granted.
Anhydrous ammonia is classed as a dangerous substance because it is toxic if inhaled and very toxic to aquatic mechanisms, under the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations.
An application has been made for deemed hazardous substances consent for the construction of two ammonia tanks, capable of storing up to 190 tonnes of the substance in association with an application, by Scottish and Southern Energy, for an extension to install selective catalytic equipment at the power station.
The installation is necessary to ensure the lifespan of the power station can be extended beyond 2015 and contribute to meeting future energy requirements.
The ammonia storage tanks are essential if the selective catalytic equipment is to be installed.
Both applications have been made directly to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, but Warrington Borough Council is being consulted.
Officers are recommending the council does not raise any objections. They say the installations will result in improved air quality and that the Health and Safety Executive will carry out a rigorous risk assessment.
But members of Penketh Parish Council and Cuerdley Parish Council have raised concerns.
Penketh councillors have drawn attention to the number of fires at the power station in recent years and say they need to feel confident and assured that in the event of a fire or explosion, all safety measures and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of the local community.
Cuerdley councillors say residents will be affected physically and mentally by the transport of hazardous materials along the A562, which is already being used to its maximum.
“This will cause strain and anxiety on residents,” they say.
Hazardous loads set to hit local roads
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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If its been deemed safe enough to travel on the roads full stop then its safe enough to go through warrington. what kind of country would we be in if people objected to everything hazardous…there is obviouisly a purpose to moving it to our mutual benefit. sounds like a bunch of NIMBYs to me.
steady richiepooh, you can’t apply common sense to people these days.
Hazardous chemicals are moving through Warrington EVERY day. There are chemical factories in and around warrington.
People need to understand what it is about instead of picking on the word hazardous.
Look at the chemicals kept in a house. Some of those are classed as hazardous and can be dangerous if mixed by mistake.