Risley chosen as site for cattle carcass disposal

CARCASSES of cattle killed because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak could be coming to Warrington, it was revealed this week.

The Government has selected Risley landfill site as one of 111 sites around the country as suitable for the disposal of carcasses from the Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme - animals which are considered not to be diseased.

The landfill list has been compiled by MAFF, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) in consultation with the Environment Agency.

Of the 111 suitable sites, only 17 are in use. They all meet criteria set out by the agency with regard to suitable design and an appropriate level of environmental protection and control for animal carcass disposal.

The fact Risley landfill features on the list does not necessarily mean it will actually be used.

This would be subject to an agreement between the landfill operator Biffa Waste and MAFF's Intervention Board.

Allocation of carcasses to landfill sites is co-ordinated by the board, who have contracts with some of the sites on this list - but not Risley.

A spokesman for the board said there were no plans to use Risley and that it was only on the list because it had been identified as suitable.

Arpley landfill was initially looked at by the Government but has not been picked because of its on-going management problems and excessive leachate levels.