From: <ccu.correspondence@defra.gsi.gov.uk>
Date: Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Subject: Response to your Query : - Ref:DWOE000231052 - Fwd:
Application recently approved by KCC.
To: leslie.barratt@googlemail.com
Dear Ms Barratt,
Thank you for your email of 10 May to the Secretary of State about the proposed waste site in Kent. I have been asked to reply.
Defra is not involved in the planning approvals process as this is a matter for the local authorities to secure the appropriate planning permission required. Many points are considered as part of the planning and licensing process, including proximity to housing, potential environmental impacts, road network and any impact on traffic if the site was selected for a waste management facility.
Where waste cannot be recycled or composted, recovering energy from that waste, by incineration and other means, is considered far more preferable than sending it to landfill. Our aim is to maximize energy recovered from unavoidable residual waste to contribute to our renewable energy and climate change objectives, by using the most efficient technologies, and recovering heat as well as electricity where practicable.
Projects of this sort are regulated by the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales or, in a few cases, by local authorities via environmental permits. Before reaching a decision to grant a permit, the EA will satisfy itself that the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed facility:
· meets the requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations
2010 and uses Best Available Techniques in its design and operation; · will fully comply with the requirements of the Waste Incineration Directive; · emissions will not give rise to a significant risk of pollution or harm to human health; · will, as far as practicable, have energy generated by the plant recovered for use; · will ensure that any residues and harmful substances will be minimised and recycled where appropriate; and · proposes measurement techniques for emissions in line with those specified in domestic legislation and relevant Directives.
Yours sincerely
David Hands
Customer Contact Unit Defra
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
