Community Benefits
Employment
During the construction phase of this project up to 50 posts will be created for a duration of 12-14 months. During the operation of the project there will be up to 30 jobs created directly with more indirect functions such as transport and maintenance.
Landfill Community Fund
For every tonne of waste that is deposited in the mine, the local community can benefit from the Landfill Community Fund. This replaces the former Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. When the mine is operating at envisaged capacity this will mean figures in excess of £250k per year will be available for Entrust qualifying projects.
This funding would be distributed through a specifically established local trust body for the purpose. Schemes already benefiting from such funding in the area include Saltholme Nature Reserve and John Whitehead Park.
Community Benefits Fund
In addition to the formal Landfill Community Fund scheme, NPL Waste Management will provide direct monies to the community in the form of a Community Benefits Fund providing some £25,000 per year for community use. This will be secured in a Section 106 planning agreement and would be dispersed by a forum of local representatives, administered by Billingham Town Council for improvements and support such as provision of play equipment, increased community facilities, gala days etc., but really it's up to you!
Reassurances
NPL Waste Management has been acutely aware of the sensitivities of use for the mine since first consulting with the local authority in 2007. We have adopted our open and honest approach in working with community groups and in releasing information to the public via the press, letter drops and website updates. We have made two commitments to the local community of Billingham which are:
No Hazardous Waste will be stored under residential areas.
No Nuclear Waste will be stored in the mine.
We are also able to offer three external assurances on the Nuclear Issue:
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Legal Assurance: The NPL Waste Management sale agreement with ICI (now Akzo Nobel) contains restrictive covenants and mineral rights that prevent nuclear waste being stored in the mine.
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Planning Assurance: NPL Waste Management have committed to enter a Section 106 Legal Planning agreement with Stockton Borough Council which will explicitly contain a condition of planning that prevents nuclear waste being stored in the mine.
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Environmental Permit Assurance: NPL Waste Management require a permit from the Environment Agency to store waste in the mine. The permit states the waste type(s) acceptable for the facility, this will only show APC Residues.
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