SELCHP
Encyclopedia
SELCHP is a major incineration
plant located in South Bermondsey
, London
. SELCHP is an acronym for "South East London Combined Heat and Power" energy recovery facility. The combined heat and power system was designed for a district heating scheme that has never been implemented and the plant generates only electricity. The plant can generate up to 35 MW of power using a steam turbine. It can take up to 420,000 tonnes per year of municipal solid waste.
In 1986, faced with the increasing scarcity and environmental problems of landfill
, the local authorities of Lewisham
, Southwark, and Greenwich
came together to search for and identify a realistic alternative. In 1988, they formed an organisation - the South East London Combined Heat and Power Consortium - from which SELCHP now takes its name.
In 2002 SELCHP was subject to Direct action
by Greenpeace
UK. They were concerned about the potential negative health effects of the dioxins
produced during the incineration of waste at the site. The plant was shut down for three and a half days when protesters entered the main tipping hall and climbed the chimney. The standoff was resolved when bailiffs entered the building and removed the protestors. As a result of the action both Liberal Democrats on Lewisham Council and the Shadow Environment Secretary Peter Ainsworth
pledged their support to the campaign.
SELCHP is currently operated by Veolia Environmental Services
.
Incineration
Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration and other high temperature waste treatment systems are described as "thermal treatment". Incineration of waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas, and...
plant located in South Bermondsey
South Bermondsey
South Bermondsey is an area of southeast London, England.It is a largely industrial area and has been the home of Millwall Football Club since 1993 when the club moved to its new stadium The Den in Zampa Road....
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. SELCHP is an acronym for "South East London Combined Heat and Power" energy recovery facility. The combined heat and power system was designed for a district heating scheme that has never been implemented and the plant generates only electricity. The plant can generate up to 35 MW of power using a steam turbine. It can take up to 420,000 tonnes per year of municipal solid waste.
In 1986, faced with the increasing scarcity and environmental problems of landfill
Landfill
A landfill site , is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the oldest form of waste treatment...
, the local authorities of Lewisham
Lewisham London Borough Council
Lewisham London Borough Council is the local authority for the London Borough of Lewisham in Greater London, England. It is a London borough council, one of 32 in the United Kingdom capital of London. The council is unusual in that its executive function is controlled by a directly elected mayor of...
, Southwark, and Greenwich
Greenwich London Borough Council
Greenwich London Borough Council is the local authority for the London Borough of Greenwich in Greater London, England. It is a London borough council, one of 32 in the United Kingdom capital of London. Greenwich is divided into 17 wards, each electing three councillors...
came together to search for and identify a realistic alternative. In 1988, they formed an organisation - the South East London Combined Heat and Power Consortium - from which SELCHP now takes its name.
In 2002 SELCHP was subject to Direct action
Direct action
Direct action is activity undertaken by individuals, groups, or governments to achieve political, economic, or social goals outside of normal social/political channels. This can include nonviolent and violent activities which target persons, groups, or property deemed offensive to the direct action...
by Greenpeace
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization with offices in over forty countries and with an international coordinating body in Amsterdam, The Netherlands...
UK. They were concerned about the potential negative health effects of the dioxins
Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds are by-products of various industrial processes, and are commonly regarded as highly toxic compounds that are environmental pollutants and persistent organic pollutants . They include:...
produced during the incineration of waste at the site. The plant was shut down for three and a half days when protesters entered the main tipping hall and climbed the chimney. The standoff was resolved when bailiffs entered the building and removed the protestors. As a result of the action both Liberal Democrats on Lewisham Council and the Shadow Environment Secretary Peter Ainsworth
Peter Ainsworth
Peter Michael Ainsworth is a former Conservative politician in the United Kingdom. He was the Member of Parliament for East Surrey from 1992 to 2010....
pledged their support to the campaign.
SELCHP is currently operated by Veolia Environmental Services
Veolia Environmental Services
Veolia Environmental Services is a division of Veolia Environnement. It employs nearly 78,000 staff, has operations in 35 countries around the world, and generated revenues of nearly €9.02 billion in 2009....
.
