Regions Waste Strategy Will Be Examined
7th December, 2010
The challenges facing the waste sector will come under the spotlight at a seminar organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West in the New Year. The 'New Government - New Waste Strategy?' event will look at the issues facing the industry from securing planning consent and funding for waste facilities to dealing with public opposition.
Ian Crummack, Managing Director of Cobalt Energy, who will speak at the event, said: "Waste, and what to do with it, is a hot topic on the public and political agenda. Although local authorities are duty bound to increase recycling rates, there is an associated cost and there is only so much that can be recycled. We need to consider how to treat the remaining waste in an economically and environmentally acceptable way."
"Waste is a part of everyday life and we have to find a way to dispose of it with the least impact. Part of our role is to ensure the public is properly informed and understand how advances in technology have helped to make waste treatment cleaner and safer. We have to find sites for these facilities and it is important communities are involved."
The scrapping of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), set up to examine large-scale infrastructure projects, leaves a question mark over planning issues. The Major Infrastructure Unit will replace the IPC but engineers say it is imperative that the reforms do not hamper any progress already made on projects.
Funding of major waste schemes is in doubt in many parts of the country, after Defra withdrew PFI credits from seven projects as part of the Spending Review process.
The seminar, chaired by Devon County Council's Principal Waste Management Officer, Annette Dentith, will take place in Exeter on Thursday 27 January 2011.
Ms Dentith said: "The waste industry and local authorities are facing critical challenges. Achieving political support at a time when public spending is under pressure is challenging. We need to ensure value for money in terms of collection and disposal as well as increasing our own recycling rates. It's a fine balance for councils between economic, environmental and social concerns. This seminar aims to provide an answer to these challenges and will include contributions from those working in both the public and the private sector."
"This seminar is very timely. The new government has announced a review of all existing waste policies and its ambitions for an expansion of Anaerobic Digestion facilities, better resource efficiency and more green jobs and technologies."
"It will be a useful event for anyone working in waste management."
There will be a presentation from Somerset County Council's Head of Waste, Steve Read, who will discuss the authority's recent experiences with public consultation, while the Environment Agency's Spence Seaman will offer advice on how to submit the perfect permit application.
Howard Ellard, of waste firm Viridor, will talk about the state of the region's infrastructure from a contractor's point of view and Lloyd James, of law firm Burges Salmon, will discuss procurement of energy and waste projects.
Other speakers include Gary Jones, of Langage Farm, Devon, who will talk about Anaerobic Digestion and Barry Griffiths, Project Director of Option 7 - A Community Alternative to Incineration. There will also be a session on the role of communications.
The 'New Government - New Waste Strategy?' seminar takes place on Thursday 27 January from 9.30am to 4.30pm at the Rougemont Thistle Hotel in Exeter. The cost of the day is £125 excluding VAT per delegate. To book a place and for any enquiries please contact Charlotte Snooks on 01752 896749 or email charlotte.snooks@ice.org.uk .
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