‘Smells and dust’ concern over asbestos waste site
Residents and businesses near a landfill in Finningley, near Doncaster, say dust and strong odours from the site are making people feel unwell. Doncaster Motoparc has closed its motocross track after riders and staff reported symptoms including headaches, nausea and dizziness, raising concerns about the effects of the waste facility on the local community.
The former quarry is operated by Tetron Finningley Ltd under an Environment Agency permit, amended in 2022 to allow it to accept hazardous asbestos. A local farmer reports dust when the wind blows from the east, while villagers say smells reach nearby homes; the site is also close to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is preparing to reopen. The Environment Agency has visited the track and is investigating complaints, saying it will take regulatory action if it finds permit breaches. Tetron did not respond to a request for comment.
In short
- Finningley residents report dust and odours from a landfill.
- The local motocross track has closed amid health complaints.
- The Environment Agency is investigating possible permit breaches.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Residents and businesses have reasonable grounds to seek urgent scrutiny: people using the nearby track report feeling unwell, and neighbours describe dust and strong odours. Given the site’s permission to accept hazardous asbestos and its proximity to homes and businesses, regulators should investigate whether emissions are affecting health or breaching permit conditions, and act if they find evidence.
The case against
A landfill’s permit to accept asbestos does not by itself show that asbestos or other harmful material is escaping, and reports of symptoms and odours do not establish their cause. The Environment Agency is investigating and has said it will act if it finds permit breaches; decisions about the site should be based on that evidence and the applicable safeguards, while recognising the operator’s role in providing a response.