We are against the proposal by BIFFA to build an incinerator at Newhurst Quarry, located at Junction 23 of the M1 between Shepshed and Loughborough, for the following reasons:-

1. 1.Incinerators are bad for public health
   

In the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that there is no evidence to link Incinerators with cancer. They have not made any statements regarding other health effects like neuro-toxicity, general lung health or potential nanoparticle toxicity. This has been used by the Environment Agency to pronounce Incineration as “safe” and to issue permits to run municipal Incinerators in populated areas.

    Any Scientist will understand that to demonstrate a link between incinerator fumes and cancer would take more than 50 years to gather enough data. The same was true for establishing a link between cigarette smoke and lung cancer - it took 30 years to gather the data and to prove the link scientifically. But everyone knew that smoking was bad for lung health.

    The same is true for incineration. Incineration produces toxins that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and many other toxic effects. Without the definitive scientific proof, we believe the UK should adopt the “precautionary principle”. In the USA, many states have banned Incineration or have demanded exclusion zones around Incinerators to protect public health. You can find out more  by following this link - Impact of Incineration on Health

2. 2.Incineration is bad for the environment
   

The idea that we should get rid of our problem waste by incinerating it into very small particles and then spew them into the atmosphere that we breathe, is fundamentally flawed. Go and visit any major city in China if you don’t believe this is a bad idea (remember to take a face mask with you).

    It has been estimated that around 300 ADDITIONAL lorries per day will truck waste to feed this Incinerator. Leicestershire will be the dumping ground for imported waste from right across the country.

    There are many other ways of dealing with our waste. Waste is a problem that we need to deal with - but incineration is not the answer. Find out more here - Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives

3. 3.Negative visual impact on Charnwood Forest
   

At 96.5M high, the proposed Incinerator will be visible for miles around, spoiling our beautiful Leicestershire countryside. The negative impact will extend to a decline in house prices,  and a reduced quality of life. Think about this next time you are walking along one of the many public footpaths in and around Charnwood Forest. Chances are the Incinerator will be visible somehwere along your route. Check out our footpath map to find out if your favourite views will be ruined.

4. 4.Legacy to return Newhurst Quarry to a greenfield site
   

Over the last 25 years, the Newhurst Quarry has been commercially mined. This was allowed at the outset on the understanding that at the end of the Quarry’s life, it would be returned to a Greenfield site.

    The residents of Charnwood and North Leicestershire are owed a respite after 25 years of industrial quarrying. We are demanding that the Leicestershire County Council take action to invoke the legacy promises that have been made over this site and return the Quarry back into a greenfield site to be enjoyed by all.