News in Brief

Chief Secretary to the Treasury visits New Earth

New Earths planning director Robert Asquith hosted the visit assisted by site manager, Tim Stamper. The pair spent two hours showing the minister around the site, along with Stephen Williams, MP for Bristol West, and Bristol city council leader, Councillor Gary Hopkins. Mr Alexander also spent 45 minutes discussing the issues affecting New Earths business and the role of government policy.

Mr Alexander, who is the MP for Inverness, was particularly interested in New Earths funding model and the investment that has made the Avonmouth plant possible. New Earth said the minister commented on how impressive it is that New Earth has built so much so quickly at Avonmouth.

Regulator cracks down on illegal waste sites in North East

Officers at the Environment Agency in the North East have stopped 16 illegal waste sites in the last three months.

Work by the regulatory has led to the closure of 16 out of 60 known sites operating illegally in the region and comes as part of the Environment Agencys priority offenders project, which was launched in 2010 as a means of dealing with illegal waste sites and environmental crime. And, the Agency is using a team of specialist investigators who use modern enforcement techniques to build up evidence of the people operating these sites. The scheme was piloted in the North East as an intelligence-led project to crack down on illegal operators and is expected to be rolled out to the rest of the England and Wales.

Kate Halka, North East environmental crime team leader for the Environment Agency, said: We have worked hard with our partners to crack down on illegal operators in the waste industry, and our figures show that we are getting results. It is important that we take action against these people to help legitimate operators and to ensure that waste is disposed of in the correct manner, without harming the environment.

London Mayor appoints new director of environment

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has appointed Kulveer Ranger to the role of director of environment as part of a shake-up of staff at City Hall.

The appointment, which comes alongside the Mayors environment advisor Isabel Dedring being named deputy mayor for transport, will see Mr Ranger tasked with delivering a cleaner, healthier London and long-term improvements in quality of life. He will also take charge of the Mayors digital agenda, to ensure Londoners get the full benefits of the Internet and new technology.

Mr Johnson said: I am grateful to all my deputies and advisors for their sterling work over the last three years, cutting crime, improving transport, seeing London through the recession, creating opportunities for young people, improving quality of life and preparing for the 2012 Games.

Kent grants permission for Kemsley waste-to-energy plant

Kent county council has granted planning permission to St Regis Paper Company and energy firm E.ON to develop a sustainable energy plant at the paper recycling firms Kemsley mill.

The local authoritys planning applications committee voted in favour of the proposal earlier this month (April 12), which is set to see E.ONs partner Wheelabrator Technologies UK develop a 550,000 tonne-a-year capacity energy-from-waste facility at the plant in Sittingbourne. E.ON and Wheelabrator are tendering for contracts to supply waste to the plant, which is set to be up-and-running in 2016.

Commenting on the approval, Chris Rosser, managing director of St Regis Paper Company, said: This decision recognises the important role that this project will have in ensuring a more sustainable future for Kemsley Mill and protecting the employment of the 800 people who work here.

Environment Agency issues permit for EnviRecover EfW

The Environment Agency has issued an environmental permit for Mercia Waste Managements (Mercia) proposed 200,000 tonne energy-from-waste facility near Kidderminster.

The 120 million plant received planning permission by Worcestershire county council at the start of March 2011 (see letsrecycle.com story) and it is intended to treat waste from both Worcestershire and Herefordshire councils. The planning application is now subject to an extended call in period by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as part of the statutory planning process.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: We consider that, in reaching that decision, we have taken into account all relevant considerations and legal requirements and that the permit will ensure that a high level of protection is provided for the environment and human health.

Youth Hostel Association awards SWR waste deal

The UK Youth Hostel Association has signed a major waste contract with specialist waste management company Specialist Waste Recycling (SWR).

The Alton-based company intends to provide a comprehensive waste management plan for the 154 Youth Hostel Association locations across the UK. The combined waste from each of the sites amounts to approximately 1,200 tonnes per year and includes a varied mix of glass, cardboard, bottles, cans, paper and plastics. The new waste strategy is intended to boost overall recycling levels from approximately 10% to almost 70 % across all Youth Hostel Association sites.

Giles Whiteley, chief executive of SWR, said: Before SWR became involved YHA had found that they needed a complicated mix of suppliers to meet their requirements. This is turn made it difficult to maintain a clear picture of environmental performance and made effective relationships with suppliers a near impossibility.