A public consultation has been launched on proposals for a new £65million specialist waste treatment plant.
Plans revealed by Qualitech Environmental state the proposed Tofts Road energy recovery facility would create 40 permanent skilled jobs once operational and support 45 roles during the three-year construction phase.
The facility would treat waste which is classed as hazardous from manufacturing, pharmaceutical facilities, engineering, maintenance and industrial cleaning.
Qualitech Environmental bosses have said the new site in Hartlepool “would provide much-needed capacity to treat hazardous waste arising in the Tees Valley and UK” and reduce the amount of waste currently shipped overseas for treatment.
They claim the development on land at Tofts Road West would generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 2,000 homes every year while heat and steam could also be supplied directly to nearby businesses.
Managing director Danny Casey said: “Our plans represent a £65m investment in Hartlepool with 45 construction jobs over the three-year build and 40 permanent jobs once operational.
“This facility would be one of the UK’s first hazardous waste treatment plants to recover energy from the process.
“Treating this waste domestically would save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year while helping build British energy security.”
He continued: “We’re committed to community engagement and maximising the opportunity for people to have their say on the proposals.”
Two consultation drop-in events had initially been planned for Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, at Hartlepool Rovers FC, in West View Road.
However Mr Casey said they have now decided to postpone “whilst we finalise a venue closer to Seaton Carew” where the proposed development would be located.
Details of the new venues and times for the consultation events will be provided in the near future.
Following the consultation a planning application is expected to be submitted later this year to Hartlepool Borough Council.
The facility will also require an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency (EA) before it can operate, and once operational, emissions will be continuously monitored and reported to the EA.
In the meantime, residents can find out more and provide feedback via the project website at www.toftsroadefw.co.uk, by email at [email protected] or by calling the freephone information line on 0800 689 1095.
