As a resident of Sutton, I am deeply concerned about the proposed expansion of the Viridor Incinerator and the plans to establish a SUEZ Food Waste Plant and the continued growth of the SDEN Heat Network. This alarming proposition not only threatens our local environment but also the health and well-being of our community and future generations.

The plan to increase the capacity of the Viridor Incinerator by approximately 35,000 tonnes per year is a significant uplift that could have dire consequences. Statistics from Public Health England and various environmental research highlight that incinerators contribute vastly to air pollution, emitting harmful substances like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and dangerous heavy metals. These pollutants are known to exacerbate respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and have even been linked to cancer-causing potential. Our borough is already grappling with air quality issues, and such an expansion could push the pollution levels to unmanageable limits.

Moreover, the establishment of the SUEZ Food Waste Plant is another cause for concern. While managing waste sustainably is important, bringing in additional waste facilities to our area could further strain our local infrastructure. The increase in vehicle traffic, noise pollution, and risk of odours must be carefully considered, especially in already congested areas.

The expansion of the SDEN Heat Network, which relies on waste heat from the incinerator, further ties our borough to polluting technologies instead of exploring truly sustainable and green solutions. We must pivot towards investing in renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency rather than continuing to depend on systems that potentially compromise public health and degrade our environmental quality.

It is crucial for the London Borough of Sutton Council to reconsider these plans. We urge transparency in decision-making processes and call for community consultations to explore less harmful alternatives that align with the objective of a healthier, more sustainable environment for our children and us.

Help us protect our community and future generations from unnecessary environmental and health risks. Please sign this petition to demand that Sutton Council rejects these expansions and considers more sustainable, cleaner alternatives.