Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has lifted restrictions on a Welsh recycling centre which was found to be the source of a fly infestation that made residents "physically sick" and left them feeling like prisoners in their own homes.
Many residents in the south of Llanelli said the problem was so bad last month that they were unable to cook in their own properties.
One said: "The truth is this is a recurring nightmare that keeps coming back to plague us year after year. You feel like a prisoner in your own home surrounded by sticky fly papers just to try and keep the numbers down."
Source of the Infestation
Last month it was confirmed that AMG Resources Limited, a recycling plant in Llanelli which is permitted and regulated by NRW, was the source of a fly infestation which had been affecting people in the south of Llanelli since June.
Two and a half weeks ago a partial suspension notice was issued which required AMG Resources Limited to stop accepting certain waste types. This followed an earlier enforcement notice which "required the operator to take action to address issues relating to the management of waste".
Improvements and Ongoing Monitoring
NRW has now confirmed that "significant improvements" have been made at the recycling centre "including measures to improve waste management practices and site conditions". While regulatory action and close monitoring at the site will continue, the partial suspension notice has been withdrawn.
"Protecting people and the environment is a priority for us and we take regulatory action when necessary," said Ed Davies, team leader for industry and waste regulation at NRW.
"Since the suspension notice was issued, the operator has undertaken extensive work to improve waste management practices and site housekeeping.
"Whilst this is a positive step, our regulatory activity continues. An enforcement notice remains in place, requiring waste to be stored within the permitted site boundaries, and we will continue to monitor compliance closely and take further action if necessary.
"The operator is also required to strengthen its pest management arrangements, review site operations and implement any further measures needed to minimise the risk of similar issues occurring in the future. We will continue to assess the effectiveness of these measures through ongoing inspection and regulation.
"We recognise the impact that increased fly activity has had on local residents and businesses and would like to thank the community for its patience while we carried out our investigation and regulatory action."
Continued Oversight
NRW has said it is continuing to closely monitor the AMG Resources Limited site to ensure waste operations comply with environmental legislation and permit conditions. Further actions requiring the company to review existing pest management arrangements and identify additional measures to reduce the risk of similar issues occurring in the future are in place.
