Residents have said a foul stench thought to be from a nearby quarry continues to “poison the air” and affect people’s health.

People living in Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, and the surrounding villages say the “rotten eggs” smell continues to blight their lives. 

Concerns over the cause of the smell from Ashcourt Quarry were first reported in 2023. Ashcourt's landfill site was identified by the Environment Agency late last year as being the source of a methane smell seeping from gas wells.

Darlington Borough Council, one of the local authorities probing the stench, said it has called for a quick solution to the ongoing issue. 

“Why should anyone have to live life breathing in toxic air and a smell that turns your stomach? Clean fresh air should be unlimited and available to all,” said Stewart Hodgson. 

Concerns over the cause of the smell from Ashcourt Quarry were first reported in 2023. Concerns over the cause of the smell from Ashcourt Quarry were first reported in 2023. (Image: Ashcourt Group)

Mr Hodgson said the site was previously smell-free until Ashcourt took over in May 2023 but now impacts hundreds of residents in Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Brafferton, Cockerton, and Whinfield,

The comments came as Town Hall officials faced further questions from dismayed residents at a meeting last week. 

Alex Swainston also highlighted the impact the stench has had on people’s lives and criticised the quarry operator. They said: “Ashcourt in Darlington has been continuing to poison the air and affecting residents' physical and mental health with the toxic gas leaks of methane and hydrogen sulphide for nearly a year.”

Darlington Borough Council said the Environment Agency is responsible for the issue but continues to press for an “accelerated solution”. 

An investigation is ongoing after an enforcement notice was issued by the Environment Agency to Ashcourt in February.

Councillor Chris McEwan, deputy council leader, aid: “We appreciate that there are still incidents of odour affecting communities within the borough and these were prevalent recently with the colder weather and wind direction from the north.

“The site has been under close scrutiny by the Environment Agency and the operator has been allowed to continue to accept waste and operate under the Environmental Permit issued by the Environment Agency.”

Katie Walsh argued waste management companies should be scrutinised similarly to water companies, which have been blamed for sewage issues throughout the UK. 

“Despite the Environment Agency’s involvement many communities across Darlington and Newton Aycliffe are suffering the awful smells of hydrogen sulphide despite being told repeatedly that these smells will abate,” she said.

“I would appreciate knowing why agencies feel it is acceptable that communities have to live like this for nearly a year?”.

Cllr McEwan said the local authority continues to meet and work with the Environment Agency, UK Health Security Agency, and Durham County Council to discuss the concerns raised and progress with works and monitoring.

In response to the comments, Ashcourt said it has updated the gas infrastructure at the site since May 2023. Yet, it revealed a recent test at the site did not raise any concerns. 

A spokesperson said: “Since taking over ownership of Stonegrave Aggregates Limited in May 2023 we have embarked on a programme of updating the gas infrastructure and covering and capping a large section of the landfill. 

“This involves putting right the problems which had been identified back in 2021 by the Environment Agency, but which had not been fully resolved by the previous owners.  To achieve this we are investing very heavily into the site.   

“We have ongoing communication with the Environment Agency which visited the site for an inspection on Thursday, July 18, in which they specifically tested for gas emissions. It is fair to say that this did not raise any concerns which would mirror the type of odours which are being complained about. However, we are aware that there are odours emanating from different businesses in the local area and believe that the Environment Agency is conducting inquiries. 

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The fixed odour monitoring unit in BraffertonThe fixed odour monitoring unit in Brafferton (Image: Environment Agency)

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency said a fixed odour monitoring unit has been installed in Brafferton. 

Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager in the North East, said: “We understand how unpleasant the odour issues are for the community and we’re committed to ensuring the operator takes the necessary action to control the gas emissions from the site. 

“We continue to assess the site regularly and an investigation into any breaches of the site’s environmental permit is ongoing.”