§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the criteria used by the Environment Agency when considering an application for an environmental licence to(a) build and (b) extend a waste to energy incineration plant; and if he will make a statement on the role of public consultation in determining such applications. [53908]
§ Mr. MeacherIn considering an application under Integrated Pollution Control to(a) build or (b) extend a waste to energy incineration plant, the Environment Agency are under a duty to assess the best practicable environmental option and ensure that the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost are used to prevent or minimise and render harmless potentially harmful emissions. In particular the Agency will assess the suitability of the design of the plant to meet stringent emission limits, the impact of emissions on the local environment and the ability of the company to operate the plant satisfactorily.
The IPC system was designed to encourage public involvement in the decision making process. The public are given the opportunity to comment in respect of an authorisation and variation of authorisations involving a substantial change. The Environment Agency must consider any representation it receives when determining the application.
611WThe Agency has recognised that it should carry out more detailed consultation with respect to certain high profile licence application and is currently piloting an extended consultation process for these cases.