Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help reduce the odours emanating from Stanlow.

The Environment Agency (EA) has initiated an investigation into the source and cause of odours in the area, visiting Stanlow refinery and other regulated businesses. EA officers have undertaken odour checking in the community, through scheduled visits and in response to complaints. The refinery environmental permit sets out emission limits as well as requiring the operator to take action to minimise odours by using appropriate measures.

The EA identified one potential source of odour, and the operator is installing equipment to reduce odorous emissions from this source. The EA further directed the company to review their plant operations, to identify any other potential causes of the odour and to update their management systems including a comprehensive revision of their Odour Management Plan. The EA is assessing available air quality, emissions, and meteorological data and has engaged with the UKHSA and Local Authority Cheshire West and Chester on this.