The role of anaerobic digestion within the Best Value Performance standards has been reviewed, so that anaerobic digestion is included within the composting category BV 82b. A full statement defining anaerobic digestion is also included. The changes have taken effect from 1st April under Art 8 (2) of The Local Government (Best Value) Performance Indicators and Performance Standards (Amendment) Order 2004 No 589.
For further details see:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/anaerobic-digestion/response.pdf

CHANGES TO THE SPECIAL WASTE REGULATIONS IN SCOTLAND

On the 1st April, the Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004 presented a timetable for applying the regulatory regime to a broader range of hazardous wastes, and improving information flow about these wastes. This will help ensure more stringent measures for the tracking of hazardous waste from production to disposal. There will be a short transition period until 1st July 2004 before the changes come into effect. See: http://www.hmso.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2004/20040112.htm

THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED THERMAL TREATMENT OF MSW IN THE UK

This report looks to assess the commercial viability of gasification and pyrolysis for the processing of residual municipal solid waste (RMSW). Different technologies are compared against each other and against a benchmark modern combustion technology. Impediments to the future development of gasification and pyrolysis for the treatment of RMSW are identified and potential areas for further research are suggested. For the full report see: http://www.esauk.org/information/thermal%20treatment%20report.pdf

PROPOSALS TO REVISE THE SUBSTITUTE FUELS PROTOCOL FOR USE IN CEMENT AND LIME KILNS: CONSULTATION PAPER

The Environment Agency has published a consultation document to seek views on proposed revisions to the way it regulates the use of substitute fuels in cement and lime manufacturing. The revisions are proposed following review of the use of wastes as substitute fuels in cement and lime kilns around the world, as well as evidence and experience from the UK. The consultation paper is available from the following website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/105385/sfp_consult_745579.pdf. The deadline for comments is Friday 18th June 2004

RECYCLING ATLAS ENGLAND AND WALES

The Aylesford Newsprint Recycling Atlas: England and Wales has been compiled as a concise guide for local authorities and others with a direct interest in the recycling of household waste. Its conclusions show that while significant progress has been made in terms of increasing composting and recycling levels, there are still pronounced regional variations in the growth of household waste, the treatment of residual waste and the allocation of funding.
To read the full report see:  http://www.aylesford-newsprint.co.uk/pdf/recyclingAtlas-EngWales.pdf

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE COMPLIANCE CLASSIFICATION SCHEME

The Environment Agency is seeking to further improve its consistency in assessing non-compliance of conditions at Agency permitted sites. The principle of the new scheme is to categorize non-compliance in accordance with the potential environmental effect. For further details of the compliance scheme see: http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/commondata/105385/ccsbriefingnote_745332.pdf

BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR - 22ND APRIL

Few industries will feel the impact associated with the loss in Landfill capacity for hazardous waste greater than those involved in Brownfield development and contaminated land remediation. This CIWM one-day seminar will examine the potential pit falls that will be faced by those involved in development, treatment and disposal of contaminated land and will offer advice on the new requirements for the management of contaminated land; including alternative treatment options to disposal in landfill. For more details on this event please contact the events department events@ciwm.co.uk or 01604 620426

ONE DAY CONFERENCE - NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR COST-EFFICIENT LANDFILL COMPLIANCE

CIWM and BRE are holding a one-day conference on the latest cost-effective breakthroughs in the key areas of landfill operation to help companies achieve environmental compliance. The conference will cover: innovative ways of retrofitting existing plants; pushing the boundaries of conventional treatment efficiency; bringing down the cost of treatment; alternative ways of looking at plant economics, including lease finance options; and modular and mobile plant technology. For more information, Telephone 01923 664 766 or email events@bre.co.uk