National Press Office
- 12-Sep-2007 - The Environment Agency today
(Wednesday) reminded businesses and industry
of the changes in landfilling waste that
come into play from 30 October 2007.
Liz Parkes, Head of Waste at the Environment
Agency, said: "The changes to the rules
mean waste must be treated before it is
landfilled, and all liquid wastes will be
banned from landfills.
"For businesses who produce or manage
waste this means you will have to review
how you deal with it. If your waste does
go to landfill, check to see if it is already
being treated. If it isn't you will need
to treat it or ensure that your waste management
company does this for you. If you produce
liquid waste that goes to landfill, you
will need to speak to your waste management
company about alternative options.
"We’ve been working to raise awareness
of these changes with business and the waste
management industry. As well as producing
comprehensive guidance, we’ve working with
relevant trade bodies to produce a series
of factsheets for specific sectors.”
There are many easy ways for business to
treat waste and deliver real environmental
improvements. Much of the waste we send
to landfill is already treated, however
for some wastes more effort is needed. Treatment
can be as simple as separating the waste
on site, and recycling one or more of the
separated components.
The Environment Agency is responsible for
regulating landfills, waste and water treatment
facilities and large industrial processes.
It will monitor compliance with these new
rules during its normal programme of site
inspections and detailed audits, as well
as during visits to waste producers. Feedback
from industry on how the new rules are bedding-in
will enable us to identify any sectors which
need additional help to bring them into
compliance.
Liz Parkes added: "These changes,
which are being introduced under the Landfill
Directive, aim to help reduce our dependency
on landfill, as well as improve the environmental
standards for the wastes that continue to
be landfilled.
“Our approach is to concentrate on advising
waste producers that they need to adapt
their waste management practice. We'll also
encourage them to see the opportunity this
offers to improve their environmental performance
as these changes are for the good of our
environment.”
For more information about the changes
under the Landfill Directive, and to download
the guidance and factsheets, click on the
'See also...' link on the left or contact
the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506.
+ More
Environment Agency flood exercise
Rachel Fielding - 13-Sep-2007 - Environment
Agency staff will be out and about across
Cumbria on 20 September as part of a training
exercise to practice dealing with a major
flooding incident.
The exercise is based on a flood scenario
in which both office and field based staff
will respond to as if it was a real flood
incident. Over 100 members of staff will
be involved in the exercise that will test
procedures.
As part of the exercise, Appleby flood
defence gates will be put into operation
and grids will be checked on watercourses
in Carlisle, Keswick and South Lakeland.
Ian Warner, Area Flood Risk Manager said:
“Exercises like this are extremely important
for preparing our staff and practicing our
procedures before a real event. People should
not to be alarmed if they see our staff
manning defences, operating flood gates
or checking grids.
“Preparation is key to dealing with a flood
event so it’s important that people find
out if they are at risk from flooding and
take steps to protect themselves.”
To find out if you are at risk of flooding
and the steps you can take to prepare yourself
in advance of a flood, call the Environment
Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline
