Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the Environment Agency (Waste 30a)
A. ENVIRONMENTAL
PERMITTING
The new Environmental Permitting regime came
into force on 6 April 2008. It replaces over 40 separate sets
of regulations with a single streamlined regulatory system. The
new system means we can cut down on red tape while maintaining
high environmental standards. It helps us focus our effort on
high risk activities and outcomes, leading to better environmental
protection. This is a major better regulation initiative and has
been well received by customers. Alongside Defra and the Welsh
Assembly Government, we are looking to include other permitting
systems in the second phase of the Environmental Permitting Programme.
B. REVISED WASTE
FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE
We broadly welcome the proposed revisions to
the Waste Framework Directive which we expect will need to be
implemented in UK by 2010. We strongly support the proposed simplification,
modernisation and clarification of European waste legislation
and that the UK will be able to retain its approach to waste exemptions.
We are particularly pleased to see support for the concept of
"ceasing to be waste" and believe the provisions for
"end of waste criteria" will help to ensure resources
are recovered while maintaining a high level of environmental
protection. We welcome the move to promote legal certainty and
clarity on the meaning of waste and a number of important definitions
such as recycling. We support the new recycling targets and the
strengthened provisions on waste prevention.
Environment Agency
August 2008
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