Environment Agency Permits Saputo's Increased Cheese Production with New Conditions
The Environment Agency has approved a new permit for Dairy Crest Ltd, operating as Saputo Dairy UK, after a comprehensive public consultation. The permit introduces enhanced environmental safeguards and permits the creamery to increase its cheese production capacity. This decision follows concerns raised by the public regarding potential environmental impacts.
Saputo's Davidstow creamery will be allowed to increase its cheese production from 9.6 tonnes to 11.4 tonnes per hour. The permit includes new emission limits and additional monitoring requirements for wastewater discharges, designed to mitigate previously reported issues with water pollution, noise, and odor at the site. The creamery has been cited as a consistently poor performer in the Environment Agency's 2024-25 Chief Regulator’s report, prompting the need for stricter controls.
A significant aspect of the new permit is the pre-operational condition, requiring Saputo to demonstrate that their effluent treatment plant can handle increased production without breaching environmental standards. This includes submitting a report detailing how early warning systems will be improved to prevent permit violations.
The public consultation, launched in January, resulted in 14 responses. The Environment Agency carefully considered these responses, ensuring that the new permit addresses the concerns raised, including potential environmental harm due to increased production.
Mary Rees, the industry regulation team leader at the Environment Agency, stated that the permit review aims to deliver environmental improvements and protect the River Inny. The agency emphasizes that the permit will help reduce environmental impact while supporting economic growth through expanded operations at the creamery.
The public can access the final permit and decision document through the Environment Agency's public register. For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact the agency directly.
