The decision by the Labour government to substitute one monstrosity at Portland Port with another, seeks to derail any chance the new MP Lloyd Hatton has of being re elected in 2029. From announcing the celebrated end of Bibby Stockholm as accommodation for asylum seekers, following a year long local campaign, to the groans of announcing that an incinerator has been given the go ahead on Portland, the Labour government has extracted a bullet from one foot and then fired it in to the other. In what appears to be an appeasement of wealthy and influential figures, the Labour government is giving the appearance of being as crooked and out out of touch as their predecessors.
Unlike Bibby Stockholm, which proved a highly divisive issue, that created deep fractures in the community, the incinerator will unite that community. However, the unity will be against the government. Lloyd Hattorn, who is vocal in his opposition to the incinerator, has been sold a sick pup by the very people who should be rejoicing in his electoral success.
We are now being told that Dorset Council has given up its legal fight against the government. This leaves the locals who will have to breathe in the chemicals spewed out, alone in their fight.
Dorset Council will not be taking further legal action against central government’s decision to allow the Portland incinerator to proceed
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “It is extremely disappointing that the Secretary of State did not agree with the views of our Planning committee, Planning officers, and thousands of Dorset residents, when Government overturned our decision to reject the Portland incinerator.
“Having reviewed the Planning Inspectorate’s report, we considered whether to mount a legal challenge. But this was only likely to be successful if we could show that Government’s decision had not been reached in a lawful way.
“Regrettably, following expert advice from independent legal counsel, we will not be taking legal action. We simply cannot justify spending an exorbitant amount of taxpayers’ money on a challenge we have been told would likely fail in court.
“Dorset Council remains opposed to the incinerator, and we will fight the Secretary of State’s decision with every remaining tool at our disposal. We will also continue to stand firm alongside the Portland and Dorset residents who oppose the burning of waste on the Jurassic coastline for environmental, economic, and health reasons.”
Local Campaigners Discuss the Hazards
Waste Incinerators Are Dangerous
Waste incinerators pose significant dangers to both public health and the environment, raising growing concerns over their continued use as a method of waste disposal. While proponents argue that incineration reduces landfill use and generates energy, the potential harms they inflict are far more troubling, particularly in relation to air pollution, human health, and environmental degradation.
One of the most alarming dangers of waste incineration is the release of toxic emissions into the atmosphere. Incinerators burn waste at extremely high temperatures, which results in the release of harmful pollutants such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals, and particulate matter. These pollutants are highly toxic and have been linked to various adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Dioxins, in particular, are known to be some of the most potent carcinogens, and even exposure to low levels can cause significant harm. When incinerators are located near residential areas, the risk of exposure to these hazardous pollutants increases dramatically, threatening the well-being of communities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Another significant concern associated with incinerators is the production of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). These tiny particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health problems. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to particulate matter is strongly associated with increased mortality rates, particularly from heart and lung diseases. For those living in close proximity to waste incineration facilities, the cumulative effects of daily exposure to these particulates can be devastating. Furthermore, the odours and gases emitted from these plants can cause distress and discomfort to local residents, impacting their quality of life.
Beyond human health, waste incinerators also contribute significantly to environmental degradation. One of the major by-products of incineration is carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Although some incinerators are equipped with energy recovery systems that convert heat into electricity, the overall efficiency of this process is low compared to other renewable energy sources. As a result, incinerators are still significant contributors to carbon emissions, undermining efforts to reduce the global carbon footprint.
In addition to greenhouse gases, incineration generates toxic ash, which is often disposed of in landfills. Bottom ash and fly ash produced during the incineration process contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which are hazardous to both humans and wildlife. If not managed properly, these toxic substances can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating ecosystems and posing long-term risks to food safety and biodiversity. Despite attempts to stabilise and contain the ash, its disposal remains an ongoing challenge, and the environmental risks associated with it are far from resolved.
Moreover, incinerators discourage the adoption of more sustainable waste management practices such as recycling, composting, and reducing waste at the source. By relying on incineration as a method of waste disposal, governments and industries are less incentivised to invest in greener alternatives. This perpetuates a linear economy where materials are used, burned, and wasted, rather than a circular economy that prioritises reuse and recycling. In fact, much of the waste incinerated could have been recycled or composted, meaning that valuable resources are being destroyed, contributing further to environmental harm.
The social implications of waste incinerators should also be considered. Incinerators are often located in economically disadvantaged areas, where communities have less power to oppose their construction. This contributes to environmental injustice, as the health and environmental risks disproportionately affect low-income and marginalised populations. These communities are left to bear the brunt of air pollution, noise, and traffic associated with waste incineration plants, while wealthier areas are spared. The siting of incinerators in poorer areas reflects a troubling pattern of environmental inequality that further exacerbates social and economic disparities.
In light of these dangers, it is evident that waste incineration is far from a sustainable or safe solution to waste management. The health risks posed by toxic emissions and particulate matter are too great to ignore, and the environmental damage caused by greenhouse gases, toxic ash, and the destruction of valuable materials highlights the inefficiency of incineration as a long-term strategy. Moreover, the social impacts on disadvantaged communities underline the need for more equitable and environmentally just waste management practices.
Thus, the dangers of waste incinerators are profound and far-reaching. The fact that it is being placed in a notoriously impoverished area, where the local people have already been pounded by previous government’s policy making, suggests that whatever the colour the politicians at a national level are largely unconcerned about the impact of their decisions on local people. Unless those people have wealth and status they are ignored. Until we change that then these types of decisions will continue to be the norm.
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