Posted by Matt | Posted in Environment, Politics, Worcester Politics | Posted on 05-10-2012
In November, the County Council is expected to sign a 25-year contract with Mercia Waste Management for a £120 million incinerator at Hartlebury trading estate. As the paper reported recently, there are concerns that the incinerator could end up costing over £1 billion. Less expensive and more environmentally-friendly options for dealing with waste appear not to have been considered. If the County Council decides to sign the contract for the incinerator, it could have a huge impact on services and taxpayers.
I attended a recent (13/09/12) County Council meeting to ask some specific questions concerning the possible costs of the incinerator. They were:
- What are the total overall costs of the proposed incinerator including financing, life cycle and maintenance costs?
- What has the council agreed as the affordability envelope? (I.e., the extra costs that would be taken from other budgets).
- Has the council risk assessed costs arising from future environmental legislation?
I’m still awaiting their answers.
