MORE than 50 people contacted the Environment Agency in one night complaining about "toxic smells" from the Dorket Head landfill site this week.
The agency, which monitors the site off Woodborough Lane, had 59 complaints from residents on Wednesday night. Most were from 5pm to 8pm.
Residents, who are pursuing a compensation claim against operator FCC Environment, say there have been problems with smells for ten years, but feel the issue has become worse in the past two years.
The Environment Agency says it is aware of the issue but has been unable to identify what is causing the problems.
George Rose, 66, of Brechin Close, was among those who contacted the agency. He said: "I have no faith in the Environment Agency. The smell on Wednesday night was absolutely awful."
A spokeswoman for campaign group Arnold Against Landfill said she was unable to go to sleep until 4am because of the stench. "We taped up our doors and windows and still had the smell in our house. Arnold was engulfed by the smell," she said. "I would describe the smells as acrid, gassy and rotting. When it's strong, it stings the eyes and makes your throat sore.
"Everyone is concerned for their health."
Howard Usher, 39, of Shandwick Close, complained to the agency. He said: "It's not a tip smell we're complaining about. We would be able to cope with a smell of rubbish, but this is a very strong suffocating smell."
Following the complaints, the agency sent out officers on Wednesday night, who described the odour as "strong".
An agency spokeswoman said: "During the time our officer was on the site the odour appeared to be dispersing.
"The officer did not experience any adverse health symptoms. If the public have concerns over the impact of landfills on their health they should contact their GP, local primary care trust or health board."
The agency said it was carrying out gas monitoring yesterday and said it would work with FCC Environment "to establish what caused the odour and how it can be prevented from happening again".
Will Gander, regional operations manager at FCC Environment, said Tuesday's problems had been caused by a gas leak, triggered by a pressure drop in the air, combined with the wind stopping at 3pm.
He added: "We do not believe there to be any impact on health. If residents have any concerns, we urge them to contact us on 0115 967 3446 or e-mail dorket.head@fccenvironment.co.uk".
He said the company would start on Monday installing permanent gas wells as part of its gas management system to reduce possible odour leakages.
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