Trevor Sargent
Question:79 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to address the problem of asbestos waste and the need for a coherent national strategy. [11615/97]
Written Answers. - Waste Disposal.
A national strategy in relation to hazardous waste is currently being prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency. The strategy will provide a basis for a national hazardous waste management plan to be made by the agency under section 26 of the Waste Management Act, 1996. The strategy and plan will address, inter alia, the management of asbestos waste.
Primary responsibility for the management of any waste lies with the holder or producer of the waste. The generation, storage, treatment or deposit of asbestos waste is subject to control under a number of regulatory provisions. Section 32 (1) of the Waste Management Act 1996 prohibits any person from holding, transporting, recovering or disposing of waste in a manner which causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution.
Trevor Sargent
Question:80 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment if he will establish a helpline for people wishing to dispose of hazardous waste in a responsible manner which would also advise on methods of reducing, reusing and recycling such waste where possible. [11616/97]
Public inquiries regarding the management of hazardous wastes are routinely responded to by local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency, my Department and other relevant public bodies. The Environmental Protection Agency is at present preparing a national strategy and plan which will address all aspects of hazardous waste management.
Use of cleaner technology and production processes to minimise waste generation is an important facet of the environmental management programmes required by the Environmental Protection Agency under the terms of IPC licences. There is an increasing range of mechanisms available for support and development in this area, and business and industry can avail of the services of Forbairt, the Clean Technology Centre — Cork regional technical college — and the cleaner production promotion unit — UCC. A demonstration initiative is also being undertaken under Environmental Protection Agency co-ordination, in relation to cleaner production and environmental management, with particular reference to small and medium sized enterprises.