Present: David Meade (Chair), Steve Weiss (Innogy), Justin Bettey (Dartford Borough Council), Barbara Judge.

1) Apologies for Absence: Anthony Bates.

2) Notes from previous meeting: These were agreed

3) Residents' welcome pack: JB informed the group that the Borough Council is considering production of a "Community Pack". There is no confirmation that this will go ahead, but JB has already stated to the Council that Environmental/QED information should be included. Project on-going.

4) Environment Monitoring/Quality Indicators:

Air Quality: JB showed the group two graphs representing the air quality in Dartford over the last two months. Readings were for Oxides of Nitrogen and Particulates. The graphs indicated that NOx was below statutory limits but particulates showed excursions on a few occasions. The Technical Officer informed JB prior to the meeting that many of the excursions were from areas that have now been declared as Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA). Action: JB ask Sharon Atkins, the Technical Officer to update the group on the AQMA action plans

5) Planning: DM presented several planning applications including the extension of the B&Q site in Dartford Town Centre, development of houses in the Town Centre and gas monitoring on old landfill sites that are to be developed. Nothing specific on planning applications was raised. DM did mention the development of housing in the AQMA, and what DBC's policy was on this. Action: JB to pass this question onto SA for comment

6) Contaminated Land: JB informed the group that the Contaminated Land strategy had been approved by Cabinet and therefore adopted by Dartford Borough Council.: Action: JB to forward a copy to Steve Weiss

7) Recycling & Waste: JP asked JB to present the following to the group with regards to recycling in the Borough." A Strategy has not been published yet". Following a meeting with KCC's consultant, we are working on a bid from ENTRUST for "landfill Tax" funding, for a trial recycling scheme in partnership with Gravesham & Sevenoaks. This scheme involves the collection of recyclable waste (Tins, paper, cardboard, plastics) in a separate bag to normal waste (Food & garden waste). Both bags are collected on the same day; the recyclable bag is then separated at a sorting plant for each waste to be recycled. A pilot scheme will be initiated in the New Year and then extended to the whole Borough later in 2002.

8) Festival: The group decided that QED should represent at the Dartford Show next year. DM stated that at the next Steering meeting details of the festival and QED involvement should be discussed.

9) AOB:

Dartford Archeological Group: DM stated that the above group might be of use when identifying areas of contaminated land in the Borough. Action: JB to invite them to the next Steering meeting.

Development of Dartford Marshes: With reference to the planning approval for removal of quarry material from Dartford marshes, JB will be obtaining a copy of the Environmental Statement to see if QED could get involved in some manner, possibly by seeking assurance that stated mitigation measures are undertaken. Also JB will contact Simon Gieke from Groundwork as he apparently has an in-depth knowledge of this project. Action: JB as above

10) Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday December 11, 2001, from 7.00 pm at the Civic Centre.

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