Newton Aycliffe 'rotten egg' smell continues despite assurances

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Despite reassurances from the Environment Agency (EA) that emissions in the Aycliffe Quarry landfill site in County Durham had been reduced, local residents continue to complain about the “rotten egg” smell coming from the site. The smell has persisted for over a year, despite the owner of the site denying that it is responsible for the problem. The quarry’s odour was previously identified by the EA as causing the “stench” last year. The EA said it was committed to resolving the issue by taking the necessary action.

Although the quarry’s owner has recorded an odour from a biogas facility on the nearby Aycliffe Industrial Estate, the EA affirmed that the smell from that site had not been picked up in areas of housing. Local residents have complained that the smell is affecting their mental health, with one teenager even asking if she smelled like a bin. The EA has been investigating Aycliffe Quarry, which is owned by the Ashcourt Group, after issuing an enforcement notice in February. It also installed an odour monitoring unit in Brafferton in June, with interim results set to be published by the end of September.

Bio Capital, the operator of the Warrens Emerald Biogas waste treatment plant on the industrial estate, confirmed that it operates in accordance with environmental regulations and takes complaints seriously. It also highlighted other potential sources of odour in the vicinity, such as the nearby quarry. The EA continues to monitor the quarry, which has implemented measures to reduce gas emissions, with enforcement action threatened if deemed necessary.

Residents in the area have voiced their anger and frustration at the persistent smell, which reportedly “turns their stomachs” and causes headaches. The odour emanating from Aycliffe Quarry has continued to cause distress for local residents despite claims that the emissions had been reduced

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