The Environment Agency has issued an environmental permit to Wolf Minerals UK Ltd to operate a mining waste facility at Hemerdon in Devon.

The decision follows careful and thorough consideration of the permit application.

The Agency has consulted widely and sought comments from many organisations including Public Health England, Natural England, Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Plymouth City Council.

"We have also considered the information and comments submitted to us by members of the public and those representing them, as well as those who have attended our two consultation events," said Judy Proctor for the Environment Agency.

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"I'd like to thank all who responded to our public consultations. We've carefully considered all of the comments we received."

The limits and conditions that the Environment Agency has set in the permit will ensure that people and the environment are properly protected.

These conditions cover the way in which the facility is operated, as well as the monitoring of emissions. When the facility is built, the Environment Agency will enforce these conditions by:

• carrying out regular site inspections

• adding or changing conditions in the permit if required

• requiring the operator to report if emission limits are exceeded or if they fail to comply with any of the environmental permit conditions

• carrying out investigations into any failures to comply with the environmental permit conditions

• taking enforcement action if needed.

(CD/MH)