§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to introduce tougher controls on emissions from existing municipal incinerators; and if she will make a statement. [816]
§ Mr. MeacherThe recently adopted Waste Incineration Directive 2000/76/EC sets minimum standards for a variety of plants that burn waste, including municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). The UK Government are committed to transposing the EU Waste Incineration Directive, and the provisions therein, into UK law by 28 December 2002. This will apply to all new incinerators by this date, and to existing plant by 28 December 2005. This directive tightens dioxin limits to 0.1ng/m3. These standards will be a minimum requirement for MSWIs. The Environment Agency intends to review the performance of existing plant before the Directive applies.
§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to introduce a moratorium on new municipal incinerators; and if she will make a statement. [815]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government have no plans to introduce a moratorium on new municipal incinerators. The choice of waste facilities in an area is for local authorities to make in consultation with their local communities, taking into account the waste hierarchy, which places recycling and composting above incineration with energy recovery, and the need to achieve the best practicable environmental option.