HC Deb 25 November 1974 vol 882 cc89-91W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to monitor sites in which toxic waste has been dumped to avoid similar incidents to that which recently occured at Pitsea.

Mr. Denis Howell

The local supervision of sites receiving wastes notified for deposit under the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 must rest with the appropriate local statutory authorities. When the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is implemented waste disposal authorities—the county councils in England—will be responsible for licensing all waste disposal sites and ensuring their safe operation. The Department of the Environment will, however, issue guidance, including notes on preferred methods of disposal, for the handling of those wastes which might be regarded as dangerous or intractable.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute an hydrogeological survey of the Pitsea site to ascertain beyond all doubt the safety of the site and the long-term effects, including the effects on water supplies, of dumping large quantities of poisonous waste on one site.

Mr. Denis Howell

My Department is already carrying out a programme of research into the behaviour of wastes in landfill sites at a number of locations in Great Britain at an estimated cost of £1.25 million.

The site at Pitsea has been the subject of a survey by consultants acting on behalf of the tip operators whose duty it is to satisfy the statutory authorities— the Essex County Council and the Anglian Water Authority. Officials of the Department and of the Institute of Geological Scinces are discussing with the consultants general questions relating to the most suitable methodology for hydro-geological investigations.

I am of course willing to receive representations about this matter, and I am due shortly to receive a deputation including my hon. Friend and representatives of the local authority.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps after consultation with representatives of industry and others concerned to set up a network of regional incineration, neutralisation or recycling plants, etc., for waste treatment and disposal to shorten the road distances over which poisonous wastes need to be carried.

Mr. Denis Howell

I am not satisfied that action by central Government on these lines would be appropriate so soon after the passing of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and pending its implementation. This Act will make waste disposal authorities—the county councils in England—responsible for ensuring that adequate disposal facilities are available for wastes becoming situated in their area and for drawing up a waste disposal plan, and should lead to a more rational disposal pattern for all controlled wastes.