AN ENVIRONMENTAL permit is 'likely to be granted' for the controversial incinerator proposed for Portland.

The permit is separate to planning permission and must be obtained from the Environment Agency to run such facilities.

It covers covers the management and operation of the site and the control and monitoring of emissions.

After Dorset Council refused the application for the £150 million waste to energy plant earmarked for a site within Portland Port, applicant Powerfuel Portland Ltd appealed to the Secretary of State and a public inquiry was held last year.

The inspector's decision following the inquiry has been put on hold as a government consultation is running regarding new incinerator plants to effectively determine how many are needed in the UK. The consultation deadline is August 2.

READ MORE: 'Incinerator needed to help councils' unworkable waste policy'

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency - which has conducted extensive consultation into the permit application for Portland - says it is now launching a final round of consultation where people and groups can submit any new, relevant information.

READ MORE: 'Your £150 million incinerator not welcome here' say residents 

A spokesperson said: "Following earlier consultations, we have now reached the stage where we are likely to grant the permit, having received all of the necessary information from Powerfuel Portland Ltd.

"The company has applied for the permit for a facility in the port of Portland.

"This does not mean a final decision has been taken, only that we will grant the permit unless we receive new information that gives cause for not allowing it."

READ MORE: Plans for controversial incinerator REJECTED

The agency said this final round of consultation gives people the opportunity to inform the organisation of any new information.

Issues that will be considered are:

• Relevant environmental regulatory requirements and technical standards

• Information on local population and sensitive sites

• Comments on whether the right process is being used for the activity, for example whether the technology is the right one

• Pollution control

• The impact of noise and odour from traffic on site

• Any permit conditions that may be needed

The agency said: "We do not look at issues around vehicle movements to and from the site, working hours and whether or not the site is suitable for this kind of work. All of those are matters dealt with through the planning process."

People can make comments about the application and should do so by 11.59pm on Sunday, August 11 (quote application number EPR/AP3304SZ/A001).

This can be done by either:

• Visiting https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/dt5-1pp-powerfuel-portland-limited-a001/

• Emailing pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk

• Posting your response to: Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.