Mud will not be allowed out of quarry — pledge

A ROYTON firm has defended its plans to tip at Birks Quarry saying it will not allow mud to escape and cause road dangers.

Quarry owner Opengoal set out its case in the final session of a three-day public inquiry into its appeal against being refused a permit at the Huddersfield Road site.

Waste industry consultant Robin Draper, for Opengoal, said the inquiry boiled down to whether it could prevent mud escaping on to roads to the extent that it causes an unacceptable safety risk.

He said the level of risk was less than alleged and Opengoal was extremely confidant its robust mud management plan would work.

The inquiry at the civic centre watched a manufacturer’s marketing video of wheel-washing technology designed to clean mud from exiting lorries.

Mr Draper said: “It’s my opinion that this or any other site can be successfully managed to prevent mud being tracked on to the highway in sufficient quantities that would cause a risk to human health.”

He said there was no evidence of accidents caused by mud there — despite claims it already escapes on to the road.

And he pointed out the site has full planning consent and all the arguments, including mud risks, were considered then.

But Charles Banner, representing the Environment Agency, savaged his evidence.

He suggested the idea of a supervisor crouching down to inspect the dark undersides of lorries with a mirror on a pole and a light, to ensure there’s no leftover mud, was far-fetched and had been invented on the spot.

Mr Draper accepted wheel-washers were not 100 per cent perfect.

When pressed, he added: “I don’t believe there are infallible systems.”

Oldham MP Phil Woolas, the Environment Agency, Oldham Council and Birks Quarry Action Group have all previously given evidence saying they believe mud will get onto the A62 and cause dangers, as well the access creating road-safety issues.

A site visit is expected to take place today. Inquiry Inspector Ian Jenkins will then make his ruling within five weeks.