Saputo UK asks for environmental permit in Cornwall

The Environment Agency has proposed a new permit for Dairy Crest (known as Saputo Dairy UK) to introduce environmental improvements. A consultation has been launched so that the public can have their say on the proposals. The permit variation will also allow the creamery to increase cheese production through improvements in the production process.

The Environment Agency is minded to issue the new permit. This means that the agency thinks the draft permit is ready to be issued but it will not make the final decision until it has considered all comments carefully.

Saputo operates the creamery under an installations permit issued by the Environment Agency, which includes the discharge of treated water into the Inny, a tributary of the Tamar River. The site produces dairy products including cheese and whey.

There have been previous issues with water pollution, noise and odour at the site, and the Environment Agency cited the creamery as a persistently poorly performing site in the 2024-25 Chief Regulator’s report.

The agency has worked hard to drive improvements, and has seen significant progress at the site. The proposed permit introduces tighter controls to protect people and the environment.

The new draft permit includes an increase in cheese production proposed by Saputo and removes demineralised whey production. It also includes new emissions limits and monitoring for wastewater discharge. The new draft permit formalises noise and odour mitigation measures.

The EA is now seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the draft permit.

Chris James, industry regulation team leader at the EA said, “We initiated this permit review to bring about environmental improvements and protect the River Inny. The new permit will reduce the site’s impact on the environment, while allowing the company to grow their operations and benefit the local economy.”

The consultation is open and runs until 13 February.