In the letter, sent to the Environmental Services Association (ESA), the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Renewable Energy Association and the Resource Association on Monday (September 1), Mr Rogerson outlined a series of measures that the government is proposing to address concerns over criminal activity in the sector.
The minister admitted that ‘more systematic’ actions were required to tackle waste crime than are currently being carried out and outlined a series of proposals aimed at improving the response to illegal activites, on which he is seeking views from industry.
Among the measures being discussed by the Department are improved coordinated activity between the Environment Agency and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to tackle non-compliance linked to tax evasion. It is also considering limiting the chance to appeal decisions to suspend environmental permits, as well as increasing Environment Agency Intervention at poor performing sites.
On data provision, Mr Rogerson revealed that plans are in place to improve access to records of convictions for waste offences to prevent past offenders from being issued with permits as well as improving arrangements for reporting illegal waste operations.
Permits
Newly permitted sites may also be under the spotlight, with the minister noting that plans have been for more robust checks to be carried out, while the Agency is also to be tasked with changing the way that it assesses the competence of site operators.
Once agreed with the Agency, the plans will be delivered through the £5 million funding for tackling waste crime, secured in the Spring Budget (see letsrecycle.com story).
[testimonial id = “11” align=”right”]
Commenting on the proposals, the minister said: “Waste crime is a blight on local communities which is why we have secured an additional £5 million to tackle it and have worked with industry and the Environment Agency to develop a new set of proposals focused on delivering tougher enforcement action, including increased Environment Agency intervention at poor performing sites. When most of industry has such a good record, we need to be tough on those who undermine legitimate operators by flouting the law.
“We will be meeting with industry as we continue to develop these proposals to see what more can be done to prevent waste crime and protect communities, the environment and infrastructure.”
Commitment
Waste industry figures have welcomed the opportunity to contribute further to Defra’s proposals.
Commenting on the plans, ESA director general Barry Dennis, said: “ESA welcomes the minister’s commitment to tackling waste crime and persistent poor performers in the resource management sector. We are pleased that the ESAET Report: Waste Crime: Tackling Britain’s Dirty Secret, was instrumental in shaping the government’s thinking on these issues.
“We particularly welcome the commitment to taking robust and timely enforcement action to prevent rogue operators from obtaining permits and to quickly stop those who are deliberately or repeatedly flouting the rules. Such sites clearly have significant adverse impacts on the environment and communities but also directly undercut responsible operators.”
Cooperation
CIWM chief executive Steve Lee also welcomed the approach being taken by government, adding that the minister’s comments acknowledged the industry’s role in tackling waste crime.
He said: “The minister’s letter places a welcome emphasis across a number of key areas, including a greater focus on poor performing sites and increased charges for those who pollute, tougher sanctions, and a review of the new sentencing guidelines to ensure they are making an impact. We are also pleased to see greater prominence given to technical competence checks, as well as better intelligence sharing and more inspection of waste documentation.
“The letter acknowledges that the industry’s cooperation remains essential and CIWM will continue to drive this agenda to ensure that the environment, our communities, and legitimate businesses in the sector are not harmed by these illegal operators.”
Register for free to comment