Tarbolton Landfill Limited

Tarbolton Moss Landfill Environmental Risk Assessment – 15 December 2021

SEPA's latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill has been published. 
 
This update is accompanied by a high level scientific report SEPA Monitoring Assessment Update for Tarbolton Landfill - December 2021, which provides a more comprehensive update on the current environmental risks. 
 
The environmental risk assessment remains the same as in October 2020; the table below provides a current assessment of the principal sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data. 

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill.  
 
Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, SEPA's monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continue to remain "High". Our recent monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn. 
 
Though SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.  On behalf of Scottish Government, SEPA has, at the end of November 2021, contracted an environmental consultant, SLR Consulting Ltd, to design and project manage the construction of measures to prevent the ongoing discharges of landfill leachate to neighbouring watercourses and make it possible for leachate disposal to the public sewerage system. 

The design phase is likely to commence before Christmas, with construction works likely on site in Spring 2022. 

We would urge members of the public to keep off the unmanaged landfill site. Anyone experiencing symptoms that they think are related to the landfill should seek medical advice from their GP in the first instance. 

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver.  

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site. 

Local residents can sign up to receive the latest news on Tarbolton Moss Landfill by contacting community@sepa.org.uk, and we would actively encourage anyone with concerns regarding pollution to contact SEPA using our online reporting tool. 

Tarbolton Landfill Restoration: First phase environmental programme confirmed - 24 March 2021

On Wednesday 13 June 2018, the operators of Tarbolton Landfill Limited in South Ayrshire had an application to voluntarily liquidate the company granted by The Companies Court in London.

An Official Receiver was appointed and it remains SEPA’s position that the environmental obligations of the site’s permit remain with them.

Working together to address an environmental legacy

Whilst Tarbolton Moss landfill site was abandoned by a private operator, public partners are working to address a situation not of their making.

Since 2018, SEPA has continued to monitor and report on the environmental status of the site, with reports published at www.sepa.org.uk/tarbolton. We have also continued to work proactively with public sector partners, including Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Whilst SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we have agreed with Scottish Government that we will, with funding provided by the Scottish Government, initiate the first phase of environmental works at Tarbolton landfill on a time-limited basis.

The first phase, part of a longer journey to remediate and restore the site, will focus on the priority action of addressing the management of leachate (waste water) from the site. The work, which will be conducted by contractors later this year, will start to bring control back to the site and reduce the impact on nearby watercourses as well as reduce the odours experienced by the community.

In addition to this important step, SEPA will continue to engage with Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran to identify arrangements for the medium to long term management, restoration and aftercare of the site.

Keeping you updated 

Over the coming period we’ll work on the arrangements to initiate this significant programme of work. In doing so, we’ll keep you updated on developments, timelines and when, later this year, you’ll see contractors on site.

For the latest information, check www.sepa.org.uk/tarbolton and for further information email community@sepa.org.uk

Tarbolton Moss Landfill Environmental Risk Assessment – 30 October 2020

SEPA's latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill has been published.

As Scotland faces COVID-19, the biggest health emergency in living memory, SEPA will play its role in helping the nation manage this emergency in a way that protects and improves the environment. Since lockdown, SEPA has been constrained in doing some of our normal key tasks such as routine site visits and monitoring, including at Tarbolton landfill site. As restrictions eased and following a review of our Health and Safety procedures, we have prioritised and reinstated site visits and monitoring at Tarbolton Landfill site due to the significance of the impact to the local community and the wider environment.

This update is accompanied by a high level scientific report SEPA Monitoring Assessment Update for Tarbolton Landfill - October 2020, which provides a more comprehensive update on the current environmental risks.

The latest risk assessment uses available data from environmental monitoring undertaken from 16 December 2019 to 15 October 2020.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, SEPA's monioring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continue to remain "High". Our recent monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn.

The Problem Assessment Group (PAG) has considered results of ongoing monitoring and sampling at the landfill site by SEPA. This monitoring has confirmed that potentially hazardous gases have been occasionally detected within the boundary of the unmanaged landfill site. In response to the detection of gases and the risk of deep water at the site, on behalf of all members of the PAG, South Ayrshire Council has erected signage warning members of the public to keep off the site.

Several agencies are undertaking investigations to understand this complex situation. The risk to the general public out with the site has been assessed as low and this will be kept under review by the PAG.

We would urge members of the public to keep off the unmanaged landfill site. Anyone experiencing symptoms that they think are related to the landfill should seek medical advice from their GP in the first instance.

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data.

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill. 

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver. 

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site.

We would actively encourage anyone with concerns regarding pollution to contact us using our online reporting tool  or through SEPA’s 24 Hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Tarbolton Moss Landfill Environmental Risk Assessment – 19 December

SEPA’s latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill has been published.

This update is accompanied by a high level scientific report SEPA Monitoring Assessment Update For Tarbolton Landfill - December 2019, which provides a more comprehensive update on the current environmental risks.

The latest risk assessment uses data from recent environmental monitoring undertaken from the start of November to 16 December, to evaluate the impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn and on groundwater quality.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, impacts on water quality are observed close to the boundary of the landfill. The continued lack of operational management on site, has resulted in a sustained impact from leachate on surrounding water bodies, in particular the Biggary Burn.

SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain ‘High’. Our recent monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn.

The Problem Assessment Group (PAG) has considered results of ongoing monitoring and sampling at the landfill site by SEPA. This monitoring has confirmed that potentially hazardous gases have been occasionally detected within the boundary of the unmanaged landfill site. In response to the detection of gases and the risk of deep water at the site, on behalf of all members of the PAG, South Ayrshire Council has erected signage warning members of the public to keep off the site.

Several agencies are undertaking investigations to understand this complex situation. The risk to the general public outwith the site has been assessed as low and this will be kept under review by the PAG.

We would urge members of the public to keep off the unmanaged landfill site. Anyone experiencing symptoms that they think are related to the landfill should seek medical advice from their GP in the first instance.

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data.

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill. 

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver. 

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site.

We would actively encourage anyone with concerns regarding pollution to contact us using our online reporting tool  or through SEPA’s 24 Hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Published on 28 October 2019

This update is accompanied by a high level scientific report SEPA Monitoring Assessment Update For Tarbolton Landfill - October 2019, which provides a more comprehensive update on the current environmental risks.

 The latest risk assessment uses data from recent environmental monitoring undertaken from the start of July to 21 October, to evaluate the impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn and on groundwater quality.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, impacts on water quality are observed close to the boundary of the landfill. The continued lack of operational management on site, has resulted in a sustained impact from leachate on surrounding water bodies, in particular the Biggary Burn.

SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain ‘High’. Our recent monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn.

The Problem Assessment Group (PAG) has considered results of ongoing monitoring and sampling at the landfill site by SEPA. This monitoring has confirmed that potentially hazardous gases have been occasionally detected within the boundary of the unmanaged landfill site. In response to the detection of gases and the risk of deep water at the site, on behalf of all members of the PAG, South Ayrshire Council has erected signage warning members of the public to keep off the site.

Several agencies are undertaking investigations to understand this complex situation. The risk to the general public outwith the site has been assessed as low and this will be kept under review by the PAG.

We would urge members of the public to keep off the unmanaged landfill site. Anyone experiencing symptoms that they think are related to the landfill should seek medical advice from their GP in the first instance.

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data.

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill. 

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver. 

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site.

We would actively encourage anyone with concerns regarding pollution to contact us using our online reporting tool  or through SEPA’s 24 Hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Published on 12 July 2019

This update is accompanied by a high level scientific report on the current environmental risks. In future SEPA’s reporting will be a more comprehensive update every two months.

 This risk assessment uses data from the latest monitoring from May and June to evaluate the impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn and on groundwater quality.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, impacts on water quality are observed close to the boundary of the landfill. The dry weather over recent months and a continued lack of operational management on site, has resulted in a sustained impact from leachate on surrounding water bodies, in particular the Biggary Burn. 

SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain ‘High’. Our recent monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn.

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data.

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill. 

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver. 

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site.

Published on 29 May 2019

This risk assessment uses data from the latest monitoring from April and May to evaluate the impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn and on groundwater quality.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, impacts on water quality are observed close to the boundary of the landfill. In addition, the combination of a dry spring period and a continued lack of operational management on site, has resulted in a larger and sustained impact from leachate on surrounding water bodies, in particular the Biggary Burn. 

SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain ‘High’. Latest monitoring data has shown that the impact of leachate has extended to the Water of Fail at Failford, approximately 5.5km downstream of the confluence with the Biggary Burn.

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data. “Landfill gas” has replaced “Air” from previous updates, in order to more accurately describe the environmental monitoring undertaken by SEPA. 

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill. 

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA’s position remains that the environmental obligations of the site permit sits with the Official Receiver. 

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site and met with community stakeholders on 29^th March 2019 to discuss local concerns and the latest environmental risk assessment.

Published on 15 April 2019

This risk assessment uses the latest onsite monitoring from March 2019 to evaluate the impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn and on groundwater quality.  

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, localised impacts on water quality will be found close to the boundary of the landfill. SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain ‘High’, due to high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen recently detected in the wider environment, which can negatively impact on the ecology in surface waters.  

SEPA acknowledges that those living and working close to the landfill may experience strong odours, the Problem Assessment Group (PAG) led by NHS Ayrshire & Arran have, based on available evidence at this time, assessed the potential risk to human health as Low.    

SEPA will continue to undertake landfill gas related monitoring to allow an ongoing evidence based public health risk assessment by NHS Ayrshire & Arran.    

The environmental risk assessment table below provides a current assessment of the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data. “Landfill gas” has replaced “Air” from previous updates, in order to more accurately describe the environmental monitoring undertaken by SEPA.  

SEPA continues to review the current environmental monitoring plan to ensure the risk assessment provides the most accurate representation of environmental risk from the landfill.  

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates on the status of the site and met with community stakeholders on 29^th March to discuss local concerns and the latest environmental risk assessment.

Published on 8 March 2019

The risk assessment uses the latest onsite monitoring from February 2019 to evaluate impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn, groundwater quality and landfill gas using perimeter boreholes.

Whilst there continues to be no impact on public water supplies, localised impacts on water quality will be found close to the boundary of the landfill.  SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment indicates the environmental risk of surface water impacts continues to remain high as a result of high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen recently detected in the wider environment, which can impact the ecology in surface waters.

During February SEPA received a number of odour reports in the immediate vicinity of Tarbolton Moss Landfill.  SEPA Officers have continued to carry out regular site inspections and odour assessments, during which strong odours from leachate have been detected within the landfill boundary. Mild leachate and landfill gas odours have been recorded out with the site boundary as part of the odour assessments.

The table below provides a breakdown of our updated assessment on the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data:

While SEPA has no remit to take on or manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Published on 4 February 2019

The risk assessment uses the latest onsite monitoring from December 2018 and January 2019 to evaluate impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn, groundwater quality and landfill gas using perimeter boreholes.

Whilst there is no impact on public water supplies, localised impacts on water quality will be found close to the boundary of the landfill.  SEPA’s monitoring of the wider environment has recently indicated that the environmental risk of surface water impacts has increased. The latest risk assessment has been updated from moderate to high to reflect that.  The reason for this change is as a result of high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen recently detected in the wider environment, which can impact the ecology in surface waters.

Reports of odour from the landfill continue to be reported to SEPA in close proximity to the site. Throughout January SEPA Officers carried out a total of 4 odour assessments at Tarbolton Landfill and the surrounding area. During each assessment a transient landfill gas and leachate odour was recorded.

The table below provides a breakdown of our updated assessment on the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data:

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, and are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Published on 21 December 2018

SEPA’s latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill continues to show the immediate risk to the local environment remains low and that the current environmental risk remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.

The risk assessment uses the latest onsite monitoring from November to evaluate impact on surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn, groundwater quality and landfill gas using perimeter boreholes.

Reports of odour from the landfill have been reported to SEPA in close proximity to the site. While localised impacts on water quality will be found close to the boundary of the landfill, SEPA’s assessment of the wider environment continues to indicate that the environmental risk remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.

The table below provides a breakdown of our updated assessment on the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data:

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working closely with the Scottish Government, who are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site and to ensure security of the landfill, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Published on 20 November 2018

SEPA’s latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill continues to show the immediate risk to the local environment remains low and that the current environmental risk remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.

The table below provides a breakdown of our updated assessment on the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data and follows a comprehensive environmental report published on 31 August:

This update of the risk assessment uses the latest data from the onsite monitoring that SEPA has carried out in October. We have monitored landfill gas using the perimeter boreholes, groundwater levels and quality, leachate levels and quality in both Zone 1 and Zone 2 of the landfill and surface water quality in the Water of Fail and the Biggary Burn.

While SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working with Scottish Government who are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site and to ensure security of the landfill, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Published on 16 October 2019

SEPA’s latest environmental assessment for Tarbolton Moss Landfill continues to show the immediate risk to the local environment remains low and that the current environmental risk remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.

The table below provides a breakdown of our updated assessment on the principle sources of environmental risk, based on recent sampling and monitoring data and follows a comprehensive environmental report published on 31 August:

Whilst SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working with Scottish Government who are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

SEPA continues to engage with the Official Receiver regarding our regulatory monitoring of the site and to ensure security of the landfill, as the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Published on 31 August 2018

As part of SEPA’s ongoing commitment to the monitoring and assessment of Tarbolton Moss Landfill, an updated environmental assessment has been published which confirms that the immediate risk to the local environment remains low.

On Wednesday 13 June, the operators of Tarbolton Landfill Limited in South Ayrshire had an application to voluntarily liquidate the company granted by The Companies Court in London.

An Official Receiver has been appointed and it is SEPA’s position that the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall to them.

Prior to the company’s application to enter voluntary liquidation, SEPA had been actively engaging with the operator regarding its commercial position and their environmental obligations.  These firm obligations, contained within the site’s operating permit, included the obligation to assess and classify that waste accepted by the operator was appropriate for the Tarbolton site. The company treated the material as non-hazardous.

SEPA considers it is likely that some of the material the operator has accepted has some hazardous properties, and is proceeding with a precautionary principle. We have undertaken rigorous programme of environmental monitoring, including a comprehensive Environmental Risk Assessment published on 25 July, which demonstrated that the impact on the surrounding environment remains low.

The updated assessment, published today, includes recent sampling and monitoring data from August and concludes:

• The current environmental risk from the landfill remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.
• The risk of impact on air quality from the disposal of consolidated ash waste is very low.
• The risk of impact on private water supplies is very low.
• The risk of impact of groundwater and surface water quality due to the lack of operational management is currently very low to moderate.
• The risk from the migration of landfill gas is low.

The updated Environmental Risk Assessment is available to view below:

• Tarbolton Landfill - Environmental Risk Assessment - August 2018

The subject of a live regulatory investigation, specialist officers continue to actively monitor the environmental status of the site, reporting directly to Scottish Government.  Whilst SEPA has no remit to take on nor manage abandoned sites, we are working with Scottish Government who are liaising with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and South Ayrshire Council.

Having met directly with community stakeholders on 4 July, SEPA remains committed to providing a monthly update on the status of the site.

              

On Wednesday 13 June, the operators of Tarbolton Landfill Limited in South Ayrshire had an application to voluntarily liquidate the company granted by The Companies Court in London.

Prior to the company’s application to enter voluntary liquidation, SEPA had been actively engaging with the operator regarding its commercial position and their environmental obligations.

An Official Receiver has been appointed to which the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall.

In a briefing to community stakeholders on 22 June, SEPA stated that it had moved quickly to undertake rigorous environmental monitoring to evaluate the impact of the landfill in its current state. SEPA advised that the landfill site did not pose an immediate risk of serious pollution to the environment or communities and that environment protection officers continue an increased level of site inspections to keep this under review.

As part of SEPA’s ongoing commitment to monitor the environmental impact of Tarbolton Moss Landfill, the agency has undertaken a comprehensive Environmental Risk Assessment which concludes that the current impact on the surrounding landscape remains low. 

The report considers potential impacts arising from an ongoing lack of operational management following the voluntary liquidation of the site operator Tarbolton Landfill Limited and the environmental impact arising from the disposal of consolidated ash waste at the site.

All non-hazardous landfill sites operate with some degree of environmental impact, especially those in operation prior to the introduction of more stringent standards by the EU Landfill Directive in 2001.

Outlined in the report, SEPA’s detailed environmental analysis found that:

• The current environmental risk from the landfill remains consistent with other non-hazardous landfills across Scotland.
• The risk of impact on air quality from the disposal of consolidated ash waste is very low.
• The risk of impact on private water supplies is very low.
• The risk of impact of groundwater and surface water quality due to the lack of operational management is currently low to moderate.
• The risk from the migration of landfill gas is low.

While the report captures the current environmental footprint of the site, it also notes the requirement for long term management of the site to reduce the impacts on groundwater and surface water.

Whilst SEPA is clear that the Official Receiver remains responsible for the management on site, SEPA officers continue an intensive programme of monitoring and are liaising with Scottish Government regarding the next steps for the site.

SEPA’s Environmental Risk Assessment has been shared with the Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

A summary of the Environmental Risk Assessment or the full technical report are available below:

• Tarbolton Landfill - Environmental Risk Assessment - Summary

• Tarbolton Landfill - Environmental Risk Assessment - Full report

Following local engagement with elected members and community representatives on 22 June, SEPA’s Acting Head of West Region, Chris Dailly, and Area Manager, John Higgins, attended last night’s Community Council meeting in Tarbolton (Wednesday 4 July) to discuss the recent voluntary liquidation of Tarbolton Landfill Limited and provide an update on the current arrangements for environmental monitoring of the site.

Liquidation of a business, voluntary or otherwise, presents a difficult set of circumstances, including for the communities and residents who will need questions answered regarding long term management of the site.

The community meeting was an important opportunity for community representatives to talk through SEPA’s involvement, as environmental regulator of the landfill, and receive an update on dialogue to date with the Official Receiver appointed to carry out the liquidation.

SEPA is clear that the first priority is to assess the potential risk, if any, which Tarbolton Moss Landfill poses to the surrounding environment.

While a thorough environmental impact assessment is ongoing, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the landfill presents a significant risk to the environment. SEPA has put in place an enhanced programme of monitoring to ensure that any impact arising from a lack of operational management at the site is quickly identified.

SEPA will continue to engage with public partners including Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran, in order to explore all short, medium and long terms options for Tarbolton Moss Landfill.

SEPA remains committed to providing regular updates to the local community when available on the dedicated www.sepa.org.uk/tarbolton online hub.

On Wednesday 13 June, the operators of Tarbolton Landfill Limited in South Ayrshire had an application to voluntarily liquidate the company granted by The Companies Court in London.

Prior to the company’s application to enter voluntary liquidation, SEPA had been actively engaging with the operator regarding its commercial position and their environmental obligations.

An Official Receiver has been appointed to which the environmental obligations of the site’s permit now fall.

SEPA has moved quickly to undertake rigorous environmental monitoring to evaluate the impact of the landfill in its current state. The landfill site does not pose an immediate risk of serious pollution to the environment or communities and environment protection officers continue an increased level of site inspections to keep this under review

A full environmental assessment is underway, including an assessment of the waste material which has been accepted.  SEPA is engaging with the Official Receiver regarding interim site management arrangements.

SEPA will continue to engage and respond with public partners including Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

We understand that residents, communities and their elected members will want to know more as additional information becomes available.  SEPA has issued the first of a series of regular briefings to local stakeholders and has directly contacted community stakeholders and their elected members to establish early contact.

Further information will be available on a dedicated www.sepa.org.uk/tarbolton online hub, where residents can sign-up for regular updates. SEPA also operates a 24 Hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we’re clear that compliance is non-negotiable.  The matter is subject to a current, ongoing regulatory investigation. 

For further information, visit www.sepa.org.uk/tarbolton. SEPA’s 24 Hour Pollution Hotline is available on 0800 80 70 60.