A DECISION to use Meldon Quarry near Okehampton as a disposal site for thousands of animals is expected by the end of this week.
The quarry was visited by MAFF, the Environment Agency, the army and police this week to assess its suitability.
A MAFF spokesman confirmed a decision is expected 'within the next two days'.
But there are worries about the suitability of the site. The Environment Agency's Bridget Norris said: 'We have concerns over Meldon being used and we made these known to MAFF.
'The issues are of effluent and the geology of the site. What we don't want is a legacy of this problem for the future.'
However, she conceded that if the quarry was used as a burning site, this would be 'less of an issue' environmentally.
And West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett had 'gravest concerns' about using Meldon as a vast burning centre, which he said would 'blight the area'.
But Meldon Quarry manager Alan Evans, who has been involved in extensive talks over the proposal, did not rule out use of the site.
'Our estates department are pretty confident it won't happen, but I think it's more on hold.
'We know the size of the operation and unless they can find another site — I don't think you can say it won't happen.'
If the quarry was used, burning would take place in the top section. Although normal work could take place, the quarry operation would be suspended for the duration.
Mr Evans said Meldon is a 'very sensitive' area and people living around the quarry were extremely concerned at thought of incinerating possibly 200,000 sheep there.
Okehampton NFU secretary Simon Whattler said the area is so badly affected by the crisis that if Meldon becomes a disposal centre, he thought people would accept it to see an end to the crisis.
'Something has to be done and swiftly. It's probably the best logistic method, it's ready to cater for it and there's the railway line too. It seems logical,' he said.
But Mr Whattler was concerned for the surrounding area — and the fact that Meldon is situated in open moorland.