Bad smell detectors installed in Emersons Green after reports of 'eggy' stench

Smell detectors have been installed in South Gloucestershire to help trace the source of a bed stench that has been reported in the area.

It follows reports of a “sulphurous and eggy" odour in the Lyde Green and Emersons Green areas.

In an attempt to discover the source of the smell, the Environment Agency has arranged for Ambient Air Monitoring equipment to be installed in the area during the autumn.

The equipment works by taking in air and looking for traces of hydrogen sulphide and methane. Both of these gases are known to be generated from landfill sites.

The Environment Agency has said although there is a landfill site nearby - Shortwood Quarry Landfill site, owned by Enovert - there are a number of potential sources in the area.

In an attempt to mitigate any smells coming from the landfill site, Enovert has put in place structures aimed at reducing odour emissions.

In an odour report for the area, the EA has said: “Enovert has increased the height of the gas wells in the area currently being filled. This means they will be able to continue collecting methane gas generated by the top layers of waste.

What happens to your plastic

“Enovert is also sealing the last section of the quarry wall with a clay and plastic liners.

“The lining prevents gases escaping from the side of the landfill into the surrounding ground and then into the air. It also makes it easier for Enovert to collect and burn the gas to produce electricity.

“We have asked Enovert to install additional gas wells near the liner to collect this gas and we are currently awaiting their proposals for these new gas wells.

In addition, Enovert have repositioned their gas collection pipes on an area of the landfill which is already full.

“This allows them to spread soil over the area and seal it off with a membrane that will prevent gas escaping through the surface.”

The agency has said it is “unlikely” it will be able to eliminate all odour, especially if a combination of sources are causing an impact.

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