A CONTROVERSIAL project to build a new incinerator has reached a milestone after completing the first phase of construction.

The Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) has completed phase one of its construction having excavated 2.5 million tonnes of soil from the site.

The IWMF is being built in the footprint of an existing quarry which neighbours the Rivenhall Airfield.

Local company, Tom Blackwell Contractors Ltd, have been working on the excavation since July 2021.

The milestone brings the first stages of construction to completion, seven weeks ahead of the contract programme according to developers Indaver.

The excavated soil is being used to restore other parts of the quarry and the concrete from on-site structures is also being recycled and used on site.

This is the first phase of a four-and-a-half-year construction programme. Indaver say the IWMF is expected to be operational during 2025.

A spokesman for Indaver said: “Construction of the site will continue with sinking 20 boreholes as part of the required site investigation, testing of soils both on and off sites, as well as the construction of a perimeter drainage trench at the top of the proposed soil nail wall.

“The planting of approximately 5,000 trees on the berm on site, in accordance with the contract agreements, has been finalised.

“Additional 25,000 trees and shrubs will be planted as the site development works progress.

“As part of our commitment to contribute to the local communities, Indaver invests in education, outreach and communication and we’re proud to say that the Information Hub which has now been established on site will welcome everyone who wants to learn about the waste hierarchy, the climate emergency, the circular economy, the ever-evolving technologies we use and much more.”