Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:42 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to exclude blood, sludge and agricultural waste from the provisions of the Waste Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10035/95]
Written Answers. - Waste Bill Provisions.
Helen Keogh
Ceist:80 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to exclude blood, sludge and agricultural waste from the provisions of the Waste Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10029/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 80 together.
The Waste Bill, 1995 includes general and specific provisions in relation to almost all types of waste, including blood, sludge and agricultural waste. Section 32 of the Bill, for example, proposes a general duty of care requiring all holders of waste to avoid causing environmental pollution. Section 39 provides that all significant waste recovery and disposal activities will be subject to licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Section 51 provides for alternative, special controls in relation to the recovery, but not the disposal, of certain wastes, including sludges from local authority water and sewage treatment plants, blood of animal or poultry origin and certain non-hazardous agricultural wastes. The recovery of these wastes will not be subject to normal licensing controls. The Bill would enable the Minister, however, to make regulations to prohibit, limit or control such recovery activities.