A WASTE company is ready to launch biological warfare in a unique process to clean up pollution.
UK Waste has been given permission to introduce bacteria at its Risley IV landfill site to munch on pollutants in contaminated soils.
The scheme will be the first of its kind in Britain.
The naturally occurring bugs would treat up to 50,000 tonnes of petroleum contaminated soil each year.
Bacteria would be put under tarpaulins on top of 'bio-piles' of contaminated soils.
They will then process the waste into clean soil which can then be recycled or used for restoration of the site.
Head of environmental health, Andrew Gilbert, said: "This is a natural process. These bugs thrive on petroleum hydrocarbon products.
"Remediation treatment is safe, clean, natural and cost effective."
The scheme was approved by Warrington Borough Council's plans committee on Wednesday.
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