Present: David Meade (Chair), Steve Weiss (Innogy), Justin Bettey (Dartford Borough Council), Barbara Judge, John Prance.
1) Apologies for Absence: Malcolm Still.
2) Notes from previous meeting: These were agreed
3) Environment Monitoring/Quality Indicators:
Air Quality: JB discussed with the group the Air Quality Strategy. JB stated that the strategy and action plans were now being reviewed by KCC and Highways Agency for general comment. After this the report will be passed to cabinet for approval. It should then be open for public consultation in early 2002. JB stated that some of the proposed action plans "might" include mandatory speed limits within the Borough and use of tree screening. DM mentioned the proposed PM10 limit of 20(g/m3 for all areas of the UK by 2010 except Scotland and London (18(g/m3 and 23-25(g/m3 respectively). DM stated that using current levels in Dartford, then many areas of the Borough would not obtain this limit. SW also mentioned the possibility of changes to the tollbooths at the Tunnel approach to relieve congestion and air pollution. Action: JB to ask SA to present at the next meeting the progression on AQMA action plans and general air quality issues within the Borough.
4) Planning: No issues.
5) Contaminated Land: No issues.
6) Recycling & Waste: J 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." JP mentioned the new waste recycling targets that Dartford BC needs to meet. The above project will go someway to meet those targets. JP also mentioned that the increase of green waste composting is proving difficult due to the following reasons:
KCC is to tender out for the County's waste disposal. WRG are a likely candidate. It is also likely that Dartfordís 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.
7) Best Value: JP also mentioned the Best Value waste review. The review will be looking at the whole service of waste that Dartford BC provides including why, how, who and what. JP stated that he would like QED to assess a potential questionnaire on waste that would be sent to a representational section of the community. Questions would be on all aspects of waste. JP discussed the Best Value report on Street Scenes. The report is still in draft form and JP could not therefore discuss details. Although he did mention that the BV auditors did find the streets of Dartford fairly clean.
8) Refrigeration Equipment: JP discussed new regulations on the disposal of waste refrigeration equipment. (Please see attached)
9) Festival: The group decided that QED should represent at the Dartford Show next year. DM stated that a sub-group would be set-up to manage the Festival project.
10) AOB:
Development of Dartford Marshes: With reference to the planning approval for removal of quarry material from Dartford marshes, project. JB contacted Simon Gieke from Groundwork Trust. Simon informed JB that he was the leader in writing the (EIA) Environmental Impact Assessment report. He also stated that a monitoring group would be set-up to ensure all mitigation measures were undertaken by the developer. Simon is a member of that group along with KCC, EA and Kent Wildlife Trust. Action: JB to obtain a copy of the mitigation measures.
10) Date of Next Meeting: January 30, 2002, from 7.30 pm at the Civic Centre.
END: Return to the QED Waste Management Group home page ...