Present: David Meade (Chair), Steve Weiss (Innogy), Justin Bettey, Barbara Judge, John Prance.

1) Apologies for Absence: None.

Malcolm Still: The group expresses its deepest sympathies to Malcolm who was taken ill earlier this month and wishes him well and a speedy recovery.

2) Notes from previous meeting: These were agreed

3) Environment Monitoring/Quality Indicators:

Air Quality: JB presented to the group a summary produced by Sharon Atkins on Air Quality Management proposals for Dartford Borough.

4) Planning: DM mentioned that he had seen a planning application associated with Littlebrook power station, but did not know any details. Action: JB & SW to investigate*.

5) Contaminated Land: No issues.

6) Recycling & Waste: JP stated the following...

KCC's consultant in partnership with Gravesham & Sevenoaks Councils through DBC, have submitted a bid to ENTRUST for "landfill Tax" funding for a trial recycling scheme. ENTRUST have now approved the bid in principal which means that a landfill operator has to be found to provide the actual funds.

The recycling scheme involves the collection of dry recyclable waste (cans, paper, cardboard, plastics) in a separate bag to normal waste. The bags of recyclables would be collected by the same vehicle that collects the "Wheelie Bins." The recyclable bag is then separated at a sorting plant for each waste to be recycled. A pilot scheme may be initiated in the New Year depending on funding position. JP also stated that he has submitted an internal DBC growth bid to fund the recycling scheme to either aid the ENTRUST funding or to fund the scheme while ENTRUST funds emerge.

JP mentioned his trip to Colchester council to view their "Best Practice" waste & recycling scheme. Their process involves using 4 refuse vehicles to collect different types of waste. Although very successful it is very labour and vehicle intensive and expensive.

DM asked the question what happens if DBC does not meet its recycling targets of 14% by 2003/4 and 21% by 2004/5. JP responded that there is no official position on this except that LA's will be penalised in some manner.

KCC have tendered out for North Kent's waste disposal. WRG are a likely candidate and it is likely that Dartford's waste will end up being processed (including a proportion of recycling) at the incinerator in Maidstone. This incinerator has been granted planning permission but does need technical approval from the Environment Agency. It is due to be commissioned in 2004/5

JP also mentioned Green Waste in Dartford, and stated that the new contract for maintenance of Central and Hesketh parks includes a clause stating that all green waste must be composted on site and the compost produced used on both parks.

7) Best Value: DM informed the group that he had sent comments to JP with regards a questionnaire on DBC's waste & recycling service.The group agreed that as and when it is needed it shall support the review of DBC's "Waste and recycling service".

8) Festival: The group decided that it needs to brainstorm any ideas for the festival and present them at the next meeting

9) AOB:

Development of Dartford Marshes: DM looked at the EIA report for the above development and the group discussed some of the key issues with regards noise and dust.

Contractor Vehicles: DM asked JP if there are any clauses in contractors tenders that require them to use sustainable vehicles. JP said that contactors are advised to consider using sustainable vehicles but it is not compulsory. JP said that one problem with this is that LPG vehicles cannot pass through the Dartford Tunnel.

10) Date of Next Meeting: Please note that the date of the next meeting will be Wednesday 27th March at 2:00 NOT 19:00.

END: Return to the QED Waste Management Group home page ...

* Since the meeting JB has been briefed that a planning application DA/02/00086/OUT has been made regarding "Redevelopment of site to provide class B2 (General Industry) and class B8 (Storage and Distribution) uses with associated highway works and landscaping".