The Stench of Plastic 
It's a Styrene World

The Ecologist v.31, n.9 Nov01

If you want to help improve the quality of life for the residents of South Loddon by reducing the emissions of styrene from Ex-Press Plastics, please write to the leader of the local council. Write to Mr RAP Carden, Chapel Farm, Denton, Harleston, Norfolk IP20 0AW; fax: 01986 788779, email: r.carden@btinternet.com 
Copy your letter to John Chapman, The Old Police House, 3 Norton Rd, South Loddon, Norfolk, NR14 6JN, or email info@ex-pressplastics-stink.co.uk For further information visit www.ex-pressplastics-stink.co.uk 

In 1988 Ex-Press Plastics moved from a trading estate in Harleston, Norfolk, to its current site next to a conservation area in Loddon, Norfolk. It made the move following local opposition to the noise and pollution caused by industrial processes.

The community of Loddon, having visited the Harleston site, was appalled at the prospect of having a company with such a poor environmental record in its midst and mounted a vigorous campaign to persuade South Norfolk District Council (SNDC) to refuse planning permission.
Despite their opposition and in full knowledge of Ex-Press's poor record in Harleston, SNDC'. permitted the move to Loddon on four conditions, the most important of which concerned odour filtration.

A year later none of these conditions had been met. So the residents mounted a campaign to urge SNDC to impose its original conditions. At the same time Ex-Press Plastics continued to make further planning applications to expand its factory.

Of particular concern to the local residents were the continuous unpleasant-smelling styrene emissions. Styrene, a synthetic chemical, is a known carcinogen and mutagen, used in products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, car parts, food containers, and carpet backing. The Loddon site has two 18-tonne liquid styrene storage tanks, each about 12 years old. According to a local resident the tanks are refilled weekly. Ex-Press Plastics says the level of styrene emitted is safely dispersed in the atmosphere, is virtually undetectable and is no worse than the odour from a new carpet. However this is contradicted by the physiological effects of styrene inhalation felt by residents.

To highlight their continued concerns the residents produced a 16-page report outlining the difficulties of living so near Ex-Press Plastics. They then sent it to every member of the planning committee. Yet the council continued to ignore their complaints until 1996, when an Oxfordshire company called AEA was called in to find a solution. Instead of recommending stringent styrene emission reductions.

AEA recommended an increase in chimney height to disperse the styrene emissions!
Since 1996, the local community has consistently requested the help of SNDC. To date the response has been desultory and Ex-Press Plastics continues to blight the community.