THE ENVIRONMENT Agency for Wales is kicking up a stink over plans for a new livestock market in Raglan, citing concerns over the removal of waste and the possible contamination of the water system.

Last month the Welsh heritage group Cadw announced fears over the potential impact on nearby Raglan Castle and the village Conservation Group leads local residents' opposition.

Now the Environment Agency has added further pressure for the scheme to be scrapped - or at least altered - by voicing their own concerns. The Agency is most concerned with the market's drainage system, as outlined in the planning application submitted to Monmouthshire County Council. Supporters of the market point to the way the facility's closed-system will use "recycled" water and cleaned trade effluent to wash down the market.

But the Agency strongly recommends a more conventional connection to the mains sewer be investigated instead.

A letter to planning officials states: "The Agency has specific concerns regarding the feasibility of the foul and surface water drainage scheme as submitted.

"For example, will the 'closed-system' have sufficient storage capacity for the surface water and cleaned sewage effluent, particularly in heavy rainfall?"

In his report to Monmouthshire County Council, who are consulting on the plans, Planning Liaison Officer Ben Pizii calls for a scheme for the disposal of foul and surface water to be approved and implemented by the local planning authority.

Mr Pizii also fears "substances such as sheep dip residue and disinfectant from the boot wash areas in the effluent may enter the drainage system."

He lists a series of conditions which should be imposed before the facility is approved. These include the installation of an oil interceptor to filter all surface water drainage from parking areas and hardstandings as well as measures to allow discharges to be inspected and sampled.

Keith Spencer, a director of the Abergavenny Market Auctioneers overseeing the project, said: "They have raised the sort of questions I would have expected them to ask.

"We will be working to offer the more detailed answers they are looking for."

He added: "The idea is to recycle the water and treat it on site and minimalise water usage. The last thing any of us want is any pollution or environmental damage."

Meanwhile, last week's scheduled Community Council debate on the livestock market plans was postponed while more information is collected. A decision is now expected on Wednesday December 21.