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Welcome to Eggerwatch

The aim of the Eggerwatch website is to share experience and knowledge between communities with an Egger timber-processing factory. The site supports the efforts of local residents, planners and environmental regulators in all the many countries where Egger operate. Eggerwatch may also be useful to communities with timber processing plants owned by other operators.

Follow this link to find out more about the purpose of this web site and to understand why we would welcome your participation.

On the left of this page you’ll see a heading “Topics for your comments” and a pop-menu below it. The topics focus on issues affecting local residents. Our objective is to record incidents and experiences as they occur. The growing collection of comments will form a unique record of the situation. Please take care to record your comments in the appropriate category. Your contribution can be anonymous. Be aware that the comments are monitored and any inappropriate, offensive or libellous content will be removed.


At the very top of the page and on the right hand side is a menu headed “Pages” of information pages on the web site. Keep an eye on the menu because we’ll be adding interesting topics soon.


Log loader still breaches noise limits

Northumberland County Council advised on 8 September that the noise report on the April partial enclosure of the log loader has been completed and concluded that the partial enclosure is insufficient. Further proposals have been requested from the company.

No news of noise tests

As we reach the fourth anniversary of the opening of the Hexham factory expansion in 2007, there is no news whether the latest required noise tests for the log-loader have been carried out or whether the results are satisfactory

Partial acoustic enclosure of Hexham log-loading completed

The partial acoustic enclosure of log-loading at Hexham factory (scheduled for Autumn 2010) is reported to have been completed in March 2011. The work has not contained all noise but may have reduced noise levels. Noise tests, to determine if noise levels set in planning conditions and environmental requirements for the 2006 plant have been met, were expected in March 2011.

Completion of acoustic enclosure at Hexham expected by the end of September 2010

Recently published minutes of the Liaison Group (see: http://www.sandhoeparish.net/) between Egger Hexham and the Sandhoe Parish Council (in which parish the Hexham factory is located) indicate that Egger expect to complete the partial acoustic enclosure for the log-loader by the end of September 2010.

This is excellent news for local residents, as noise-nuisance from log-loading and chipping continues to be a problem when weather conditions do not mitigate transmission of the noise produced. Credit to Egger for continuing to seek to comply with their undertaking four years ago to resolve any noise problems from this source. It’s just a pity it will have taken so long. Let’s hope this measure resolves the problems at last.

Credit also to the Environmental Health staff at the Council who have persisted in pressing for a resolution and contributed a great deal to reaching possible solutions.

Planning permission granted for acoustic enclosure for log-loader at Hexham

On 4 June 2010 Northumberland County Council granted planning permission for the planning application submitted by Egger in April 2010 to build a partial acoustic enclosure round the log-loader at Hexham plant. The Council added only one planning condition: that the enclosure on the east side “shall be sealed and underdrawn prior to the development being brought into use … so as to ensure the acoustic continuity of the enclosure from the external cladding to the concrete supporting structure of the bay”. This should improve the acoustic performance of the enclosure.

Hexham Noise - Egger propose reduction measure, March 2010

Unofficial summary of discussions re Egger at Sandhoe Parish Council meeting 25 March 2010

Nick Barrett, Environmental Health Area Manager for Northumberland County Council, confirmed that the Council is not satisfied that Egger have met the planning conditions regarding noise from log-loading and chipping at the plant. There has been progress in removing many noise nuisances. Other environmental requirements, as set out in the Environmental Permit for the plant and the planning conditions, are generally met according to routine monitoring.

The Council was aware that log-loading and chipping could cause noise problems for residents and therefore imposed a specific planning condition that the noise from these activities should be modelled and studied in detail to prove compliance before construction began. This condition was lifted at Egger’s request in return for a commitment that Egger would take any necessary measures to ensure that there would be no noise nuisance.

Egger are now undertaking further work, and the Council will pursue the matter until it is satisfactorily resolved for residents. The aim is to reduce the noise from the processes to such a level that there is no need for restrictions on hours of operation – as is the case for most processes in the plant. The Council is prepared to take formal enforcement action if needed but it has to act “reasonably” in legal terms and its policy is to seek compliance through negotiation.

There are three sources of outstanding noise:
1) “Holtec” log-loading machine (the banging and crashing noise)
2) “Klockner” hack chipper in the Shed 32 north-facing “cave” (the “vortex” noise)
3) mobile chipping machine.

Varying raw materials supply causes changes in the extent to which each of these machines are used. Recently, the recession has reduced supply of hack chips from saw mills. The bad winter has constrained supply of new logs from local forests. There is increasing competition from the biofuels industry to purchase the wood waste materials Egger use.

1) The Holtec machine was itself a replacement higher capacity machine. It was intended to reduce the number of hours log-loading is required and to reduce noise. Hours of operation have been reduced but the machine has not achieved the expected noise reductions. Egger have now accepted that a significant degree of enclosure of the machine is needed and a planning application was submitted on 22 March 2010 for construction of roofing and an acoustic enclosure on the east side of the machine which faces Oakwood. This application should become available for public consultation during April at the Planning Department in Hexham. There will be 3 weeks to submit comments. The Council will also require a detailed acoustic assessment from Egger.

2) Measures to contain the noise from the Klockner are being implemented. A screen of heavy rubber sheets has been installed in part of the area and there is to be a roller shutter door installed over the rest. If necessary more measures could be taken on the machine itself. The Council will monitor progress. This machine is not used at night.

3) The mobile chipper is now located in the yard in the middle of the plant, only operates in daytime and should not create disturbance.

Nick explained that smells may occur occasionally in particular weather conditions, but that he is satisfied that the plant is meeting emissions requirements.

Concerns that some of the saplings in the tree screen in front of Oakwood are not thriving are to be explored and it was noted that Egger accept that full enclosure of the plant would be possible but “would have a severely detrimental effect operationally”.

Residents expressed appreciation for the Council’s efforts but underlined that there is continuing frustration that noise problems are still outstanding, prevent enjoyment of gardens and penetrate even within houses.

Egger Hexham log-loading noise reduction measures: planning application published for comment, 15 April 2010

On 22 March Egger submitted a planning application for approval to build a partial shelter over part of the log-loading machine – which seems to generate most of the current noise.

The shelter roofs over two of the three sections where logs are dropped or shuffled together. The shelter will have solid walls on the north and much of the east sides – i.e. the sides facing Oakwood and Anick – with flexible rubber belting covering the west and south sides.

The noise consultant’s analysis predicts that the changes will substantially reduce the maximum noise from the areas covered. But the consultant notes that “the partial enclosure or screening of the Holtec is likely to be compromised by impact noise from those parts of the Holtec that have not been enclosed / screened. Once the enclosure of the Log Deck area is constructed and operational it is proposed that further onsite assessments are carried out to determine the most cost effective method of progression while complying with BAT”. ["BAT" stands for Best Available Technology, which Egger are required to use under their Environmental Permit to Operate.]

This seems like another step in the right direction, worth supporting. A pity that Egger won’t just get on and do the whole job properly but maybe the noise consultant is wrong and this part-measure will suffice?

The application was officially registered by the Council as number 20100225 on 15 April. The public have 21 days from then to submit comments. The plans are not especially easy to interpret for a lay person. The most informative document is the noise consultant’s 2-page report.

You can consult the applications, plans and other papers at the Planning Department, Old Grammar School, Hallgate, Hexham (I think between 10.30am and 3.30 pm Monday-Friday) or online (once you have registered) at:

https://econsultation.planningportal.gov.uk/econsul-client/Welcome.do

or via the county council website at:

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=3420.

Green alternative construction products

If you are concerned about the environment, you might like to consider some materials with green credentials…

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/~kx19789/rematerialise/html_and_flash/index-application-board.htm

Hexham Noise Summary – January 2010

In spite of the heavy covering of snow over the first few weeks of the month, the noise from Egger’s log loading processes has by no means been any less noticable.  You might have thought that the snow would have muffled the noise to some extent, but this has certainly not been the case.  Last weekend, in particular, was noticably noisy, with continuous rumbling and knocking of logs as they fall about in the conveyor.  Once again the ‘vortex noise’ has been prominent after a short respite.

Interesting observations:

  • The huge stockpiles of roundlogs have been significantly reduced over the last 4 – 6 weeks and vast areas of asphalt are once again visible in the yards.
  • For a short time last night and today (maybe 10 hours or so) the WESP has been out of action (27 Jan 2010).

Recent letters about Egger in the Courant

Dr Ann Pickering’s letter to the local paper (25 November 2009) aroused a ripple of support and a torrent of objection for her views over the following weeks.    Dr Pickering claims that noise intrusion is a small price to pay in return for a thriving business on our doorstep.  She suggests that those who don’t like it should leave the area and makes the absurd observation that her house is not only double glazed, but is also protected from the noise by the houses of those who are affected!  As those who responded to her letter observe, she fails completely to recognise the issues here and simply opposes the popularist NIMBY bandwagon (which doesn’t apply here!).  EggerWatch knows full well that Egger contributes to the local economy at some level and is generally considered to be a successful international company.  There is no argument with that.  Nor is there any suggestion that Egger should pack up and go away.  Egger is an accepted and established fact of life in Hexham.  The problem is that by failing to comply with the statutory requirements of the Permit to Operate issued by the local authority, they continue to cause a nuisance to residents of properties nearby.  One of EggerWatch’s objectives is to encourage Egger to become good neighbours, to communicate effectively and honestly with residents and to comply with the conditions laid down in law.

Here’s a round up of the original letter and the responses.

Egger noise is small price for ‘real’ economy
Thursday, 24 December 2009
AS a resident of Oakwood since 1973 I feel, that if I was the person in charge of enforcing the planning and environmental protection agreements made years ago with Egger, I would be getting heartily fed up with some 40 or so residents of Oakwood regularly telling me how to do my job.
Industrial history: The Egger plant in Hexham stands on the site of what has been an industrial estate since the Second World War.
It is well known that noise travels up that bank, due to its shape, which can’t be altered. This became evident in 1976 when the dual carriage way was opened, encouraging commuting from Hexham to Newcastle for work. The noise from the road has increased ever since.
The noise from Egger can be heard chiefly by the householders on the row overlooking Egger when the wind is from the south.
I live behind that row, just over the brow of the hill, and I have double glazing. I sometimes hear Egger if I am gardening and the wind is from the south.
If you choose to live next to an industrial estate, and it is a choice, you must expect some noise. If the industries are a success you must expect them to expand.
The parish of (now) Anick and Sandhoe has had this industrial estate or the industries since before the last war (1939-45) not the Iraq War.
In Britain our economy no longer has much of a manufacturing base. The economy is heavily reliant on the financial market, which is silent, except for some very great crashes.
Let us be glad that we have some thriving, real economy in Hexham and be proud of one which helps preserve tropical rain forest – a vital environmental impact.
DR A.T. PICKERING,
Oakwood

Egger’s moral imperative to act
Friday, 08 January 2010

OBSCURED by her use of hyperbole and sarcasm, Dr Pickering repeats an assumption that a number of concerned residents of Anick and Oakwood are out to get rid of Egger (Courant Letters, December 25).
This is not so. Our concern is one of responsibility.We are calling on Egger to take responsibility for adhering to the conditions of its planning permission, and to the unitary council to exercise the authority and influence invested in it by democratic process to ensure Egger’s responsibility assumption.The matter is quite simple – rules and regulations are created to be upheld.A child who is instructed in the necessary boundaries for social living, and who is repeatedly told ‘If you do that again then this will happen’ and the consequences do not materialise, will not respect authority, and will behave accordingly.Rather than fall into the patterns of blame and/or victimhood that our culture seems to celebrate, we are choosing to take individual and collective responsibility for addressing the continuous flouting of sound levels by Egger.Both Egger and the council are in positions of power – excercising that power involves a moral imperative that has thus far been largely absent on Egger’s part.Rather it has occupied the position of the bully, ignoring the consequences of its actions, and its impact on the environment.It seems odd to come under attack for such a stance.
CLARE LINDSAY,
Anick

Noise levels
Friday, 08 January 2010

DR Pickering’s support for Egger is well known, (Courant Letters, December 25) and some of her points are well made. However, she fudges the main issue; namely the amount of noise which the factory makes.
We, who continue to press for enforcement against Egger, ask that it operates within the law like any other organisation, large or small.Dr Pickering’s suggestion that exceptions should be made on economic grounds is dangerous.We have witnessed too many examples of what happens when principle is sacrificed to economic desire.We prefer to adhere to the law and are encouraged that those in charge of enforcement think likewise and are continuing to press for Egger to show best available technology and come up with remedies which will bring its operations within permitted noise limits.
DR JOHN HALLIDAY,
Anick

Disturbance
Friday, 08 January 2010

ANN Pickering completely misses the point (Courant Letters, December 25) complaining that residents are making life difficult for local authority enforcement officers.
The officer in charge of this particular non-compliance case regularly seeks the views of residents who are affected by noise from Egger’s log-handling process.Much of the evidence supporting the action he is now taking is the result of local people monitoring the levels of disturbance at his specific request.By speaking to some or all of the residents whose lives have been severely affected by Egger’s activities she would discover that prior to the new plant being built there was little or no disturbance from the old factory. She would discover that those whose lives are now blighted, were residents of the parish well before Egger was permitted to relocate their plant closer to Oakwood.Residents of Oakwood and Anick alerted the council to potential noise problems and the council chose not to listen.Residents acknowledge that this family run, European company with its headquarters in Austria, makes some contribution to the local economy and provides some local employment.What the 40 or so residents would like, however, is for Egger to behave as a good neighbour and at least comply with the planning and operating conditions.Ann Pickering should be thankful that her house is sheltered from the noise and might perhaps consider offering some sympathy to those who live in the houses that provide her shelter.
PETER RODGER,
Anick

Added Value
Friday, 22 January 2010
I WRITE in support of Dr Pickering’s comments regarding the Egger factory in Hexham (Courant, Letters, December 25).A couple of years ago I was invited to look round the plant, and was impressed by the company’s concern for the environment, by the quality of the manufacturing equipment employed in the factory, and by the very efficient use of the raw material, wood.The added value achieved by Egger and the company’s contribution to the economy of the area are remarkable.Dr Pickering is right. We need more of such enterprises in Britain to rebalance the national economy, and to reduce our dependence on the financial sector.
WALTER HEPWORTH,
Garrigill

Blighted
Friday, 22 January 2010

I HAVE never heard such sychophantic twaddle! (Courant Letters, December 25). Egger is an abomination – a blot on the landscape.
It is like the Ruhr Valley down there and it should never have been allowed to expand.The truth is that the decision, plus allowing Tesco in and various other bad decisions made by senior members of Tynedale Council who were paid huge salaries for making these wrong decisions, has had a seriously detrimental effect on the local economy.The local economy is on its knees as a result of many wrong decisions and we are left with the legacy. There are, it seems to me, too many esoteric groups feathering their own nests.An historic market town like Hexham with Iceland as a central retail outlet, coupled with this cold snap, suggests our assets and our appendages are frozen.The way forward I believe, is tourism.What is needed is strong leadership to make the right decisions. You will not, I suspect, get this from our prospective parliamentary candidates.It grieves me sorely when I see the potential of this beautiful market town, in arguably the most beautiful area of the country, not being realised. I love this area but it is being blighted by a short-sighted minority.Yet I always have hope.
COLIN MOSS,
Hexham