The study, announced today, will focus on compost-like-organics, digestates and composts. The department says that although regulators use guidance when deciding whether to issue a waste management licence or an exemption for the landspreading of treated and untreated biowastes, “the absence of industry-available guidance on quality criteria for different uses of these wastes means there is continued uncertainty amongst waste management companies, local authorities and land managers.”
” there is continued uncertainty amongst waste management companies, local authorities and land managers “
– Defra research document
Defra describes the current policy on landspreading as “precautionary”, particularly regarding restrictions on non-agricultural biowaste inputs to agricultural soils under the waste management licensing regulations. The department suggests that in the future a risk-based approach may be used in considering biowaste-to-land issues.
Research package
The research into landspreading of biowastes is part of a 4 million package of research programmes put out to tender today by the department. There is considerable emphasis in it on dealing with residues such as from mechanical biological treatment plants and from incinerators in terms of bottom ash.
Duplication
And, the department appears to be trying to crack down on any duplication of research work by its contractors. After considerable internal discussion, it is warning consultants that if they fail to show how their proposed research links with any current research the tenders will be kicked out.
Furthermore, the department is to put extra effort in to checking out tenders from consultants even at the expression of interest stage.
More information
The deadline for expression of interests is 12 January 2006, with an anticipated deadline for full proposals by 2 May 2006. A competition pack is available at www.defra.gov.uk/science/funding/competitions.htm
and further information on the Waste Research Programme is available from Defra's web waste section.
Alternatively, contact Nick Blakey
or Simon La Roche at Defra.
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