NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has announced it will extend its consultation on a proposed waste recycling plant in Caerphilly county borough following concerns of air pollution.

NRW received a permit application from Hazrem Environmental Limited on October 5 2015, for a proposed facility to produce fuel at Nine Mile Point, Cwmfelinfach.

Following new evidence from a public consultation process, NRW will consult further with Public Health Wales to assess any potential impact on the health of people living in the area.

NRW cited a predicted “short term increase in Nitrogen Dioxide emissions” during weather conditions such as thermal inversions, as something that should be investigated.

Thermal inversions occur when the air above the ground is warmer than the air below it and can lead to increased air pollution levels.

Head of operations for Natural Resources Wales in South East Wales, John Hogg, said: “We continue to review the application and work closely with Public Health Wales to ensure that we have all the information necessary on any potential impact on the health of people living in the area.”

Since the plant's planning application was passed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, residents from Cwmfelinfach and Wattsville have opposed the plans with multiple protests.

The Sirhowy Valley Residents’ Group's claim the plant will produce increased HGV traffic and that the plant's fuel process could lead to increased air pollution levels.

Mr Hogg added. “One of our main roles is to protect communities from poor environmental quality that is detrimental to people’s health and the environment.

"We will only grant a permit if we are satisfied that the company’s detailed plans demonstrate that it will comply with environmental laws, and can operate without harming people and the environment.”

The proposed facility would accept up to 100,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste per year which will be sorted and segregated for recycling and the production of fuel.

The waste used to produce fuel will be shredded. It will then be wrapped five times with film and stored before being taken offsite for incineration.

This involves emissions from burning of natural gas used in the drier being released through an 18-metre-high stack which will also eliminate odour emissions.