Agency hosts environmental legislation consultation

The Environment Agency's provisional decision to introduce new environmental legislation is to be the subject of a consultation launched by the organisation's south-west branch.

Plans to issue an environmental permit for a non-hazardous waste incinerator will be put to the public in an attempt to gain feedback by October 26th.

Residents of Exeter in Devon will be encouraged to give their views on both the permit and a document which explains the motivations behind the prospective move.

National policy advisor Spence Seaman said it is the Environment Agency's responsibility to ensure that incinerators follow strict environmental standards and the rules of their permits.

"Conditions in the permit will also ensure compliance with all relevant European Union legislation including new strict air emission and monitoring standards for plants of this type," he stated.

Mr Seaman added that once the facility is fully functioning, its environmental performance - including its air emissions - will be monitored to ensure that legislation is not violated.

Written by Lauren Steadman