Environment Agency Wales is seeking the views of local communities on Covanta Energy's application to operate an incinerator with energy recovery at Brig y Cwm, Merthyr Tydfil. The consultation will close on Friday June 10.The Agency will only grant a permit if it is satisfied a proposed facility will not harm the health of local residents or damage the environment.

Environment Agency Wales' role is to examine Environmental Permit applications and decide whether to grant or refuse the application. It will carry out an in-depth investigation to see if there would be any risk or harm from the site to the health of local people and the environment.

As part of this investigation, key agencies like Public Health Wales, the Local Health Board, Local Authorities and other consultees will be asked for their views and to provide relevant information.

The Agency will also hold four drop in sessions to explain the application process, what an Environmental Permit does and doesn't cover, and what issues can be considered during the determination process.

 These sessions will provide local people with an opportunity to make their views on the application known.

They will be held on :

• Wednesday May 11, St Davids Community Centre, High Street, Rhymney, NP22 5LP, from 2pm – 7pm

• Saturday May 14 at Asda car park, Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2YF, from 9am – 4pm

• Tuesday May 17 at Merthyr Rugby Club, Dynevor Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1BA, from 2pm – 7pm

• Wednesday May 18 at Fochriw Community Centre, Pontlottyn Road, Fochriw, CF81 9NH, from 2pm – 7pm.

Copies of the application are available to view at the public registers held at the following locations:

Environment Agency Wales, Plas Yr Afon, St Mellons Business Park, Cardiff, CF3 0EY and,

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN

 People can inspect the register free of charge during normal office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, not bank holidays).

 Any comments on the application should quote the application reference number EPR/WP3034TT/A001and be sent in writing to PSC, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF, or emailed to [email protected]">[email protected]