Vol. 492 No. 3
12 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the regulations, if any, he proposes to make regarding the dumping of sewage sludge in landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/98]
I do not consider there is a need at present for any additional regulations in relation to the landfilling of sewage sludge.
The waste licensing system operated by the EPA under the Waste Management Act, 1996 will ensure that high standards of environmental protection apply in respect of all landfill activities. A waste licence must specify the types, nature, composition and quantity of waste which may be disposed of at the facility involved and impose appropriate requirements to avoid environmental pollution. In this context, it is a matter for the EPA to determine the extent, if any, to which sewage sludge may be disposed of at any particular facility and the conditions to apply to such disposal.
My Department has appointed consultants to assist local authorities in the preparation of comprehensive regional sludge management plans. The consultants are required to prepare an inventory of non-hazardous sludges in Ireland; research international practice on the landspreading of treated sludges or biosolids; prepare a code of good agricultural practice on the landspreading of biosolids; and prepare a guidance document for the preparation of sludge management plans.
This work is due to be completed by end-August 1998.
The management of sewage sludges and other sludges will also be addressed in local authority waste management plans under the Waste Management Act, 1996.
