An incinerator in south London faces enforcement from the Environment Agency after exceeding air pollution limits nearly 1,000 times.
The Beddington Energy Recovery Facility generates energy from residual waste that cannot be composted or recycled.
It currently provides waste services for 400,000 homes in Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton and Sutton.
But the site's operator Viridor has admitted it had been collecting pollution data incorrectly despite wanting to increase the amount of waste it treats there by 10 per cent , BBC News reports.
Between September 2022 and March 2024, there were 916 occasions unreported when the incinerator exceeded its daily emissions limits for the amount of Nitrogen Oxides being released into the atmosphere.
A subsequent EA investigation confirmed 16 breaches of its licence, one for each quarter across its two incinerators. Further action, including fines and criminal proceedings, are reportedly being considered by the watchdog.
Sutton Council has since written to Environment Secretary Steve Reed, who is also the neighbouring MP for Streatham and Croydon North, urging him to take enforcement action.
In his letter to Mr Reed, council leader Barry Lewis said the news is “deeply troubling" for residents, adding: "What is also concerning is the lack of proper monitoring and scrutiny by the EA.
“It is important that our residents have confidence in the ability of government regulators. This report only contributes to the erosion of that trust.”
The UK Health Security Agency said "the emissions are unlikely to have caused harm to human health or the environment”.
This report contributes to the erosion of trust
But NOx exposure is linked to adverse health effects, particularly in the respiratory system, with asthma sufferers and people with chronic lung conditions experiencing worse symptoms.
Long-term exposure has also been associated with reduced life expectancy and increased risks of breathing problems.
Viridor said the pollution monitoring software was incorrectly calibrated, adding that it takes environmental responsibility seriously.
A spokesman said: "The Environment Agency has acknowledged the breaches at Beddington resulted from human error on the part of the third-party contractor, corroborating the independent environmental consultant's investigation."
