The Environment Agency has launched a consultation into an environmental permit application from Fornax (North East) Ltd to operate an energy-from-waste plant.
The company wants to operate a high-temperature thermal-treatment facility near Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham.
Under the permit Fornax has applied for, the site would be able to accept hazardous waste and clinical waste for incineration.
The Environment Agency is now seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the application.
The consultation is now live on the Environment Agency's Citizen Space site: Fornax Ltd consultation.
It will run for six weeks until Friday 27 June 2025.
The Citizen Space site includes information on what the Environment Agency can and can't take into account when considering the application under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
Local interest in the proposed site
Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:
Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment and we will carry out a detailed and rigorous assessment of Fornax's permit application.
We may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have an unacceptable impact on the environment or harm human health.
We understand there is local interest in the proposed site, and we welcome comments from the public and interested groups on environmental factors that people feel are important.
The Environment Agency would only issue the permit if it's satisfied the operator could comply with the permit conditions and has appropriate systems in place to operate the incinerator with a high level of protection of the environment and human health.
People can respond to the consultation directly on the website or alternatively by email to
