Vol. 519 No. 7
1 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is his intention to amend the Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling Regulations (S.I. No. 165 of 1998) to enable the EPA to grant certificates of registration to local authorities, with appropriate conditions, in respect of the storage of hazardous waste at collection sites provided by those authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14624/00]
The Waste Management (Permit) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 165 of 1998) provide inter alia for the registration by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, of certain waste recovery activities carried on by local authorities in lieu of a waste licence under section 39(1) of the Waste Management Act, 1996.
It is my intention shortly to amend these regulations and, in so doing, to provide for the avoidance of doubt that local authorities may, subject to appropriate conditions, collect and temporarily store certain types of hazardous wastes, in particular, batteries and waste oils, at civic amenity sites registered by the EPA.
I urge the Minister to introduce the necessary amendments as quickly as possible. Is he aware that in the case of battery disposal, an operator who had come to an agreement with Dublin Corporation to collect batteries at a certain number of sites around Dublin, had to terminate that operation because the EPA took the view that Dublin Corporation required a licence for each site? Will the Minister agree that type of interpretation directly contravenes the intention of this measure? Will he agree this situation needs to be rectified as quickly as possible?
I agree it is necessary to address this matter. A number of other anomalies have come to light. I am aware of the matter that is the subject of the Deputy's question. His question is technical and relates to a legal interpretation that needs to be clarified quickly. I hope to do that and to ensure the proposed regulations will be finalised during the coming month.
