Agency backs waste strategy in wake of committee criticism

And, the Agency has also dismissed the committee's view that the government's Waste Strategy 2000 is the wrong approach.

Last month the House of Commons environment sub-committee came out against incineration in a report Delivering Sustainable Waste Management . The Environment Agency, responding to the report, says that incineration is acceptable “provided such plant do not undermine better waste management options”.

And, the Agency recommends waste strategies where “the mix of waste management options results in the lowest practicable impact on the environment as a whole”.

The Agency also disagrees with the committee on the thrust of its findings which are that the Waste Strategy 2000 will not deliver sustainable waste management.

A statement from the Agency says: “The Environment Agency agrees with the committee that implementation of the waste strategy is key to delivering more sustainable waste management – but believes the Waste Strategy 2000 sets out the right framework to achieve this in the context of the Landfill Directive.”

The Agency also says that it recognises the need to increase our protection of people and the environment in the wider sense through:

• continuing to provide better information;
• combating environmental crime, including fly tipping and the abuse of exemptions;
• improved regulation of waste management activities that are exempted from licensing.

Protection

Environment Agency director of environmental protection, Paul Leinster, said, “We aim to influence primarily through our ability as a firm, fair and efficient regulator. We note the committee's desire for the Agency to have a wider environmental role and to seek greater influence on government. We will be very interested in the government's report on the Agency's role and performance, when it is produced.”

The Agency notes the Committee's recommendations on the Agency's inspection and monitoring of municipal waste incinerators (MWIs). In view of the public concern highlighted by the Committee, the Agency is looking again at its regulation of MWIs, including the management of ash. When that review is complete, the Agency will inform the Committee.

The Agency says it recognises the need to communicate sound, factual information about the health impacts of waste to the public and will discuss with Government departments how best to draw together existing guidance and incorporate into it the results of new research.