In a bid to address the serious problem of illegal cross-border dumping within the province, as highlighted in recent Monthly Bulletins, a draft Waste (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order has been issued. This will increase the powers of the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) to stop, search and seize vehicles believed to be used in such activities. Most of these provisions have already been introduced in England and Wales through the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
The Order will provide the EHS with powers to set penalties for offences relating to illegal waste disposal and the cleaning up of illegally deposited waste. It also increases powers relating to the duty of care regime, including a requirement on registered carriers to prominently display their authorisation on their vehicles. Provisions will also be established regarding district councils' ability to deal with waste containers and allow the use of fixed penalties as an alternative to prosecution. Tougher maximum penalties for illegal dumping will also be set, with a fine of up to £50,000 and 5 years in prison.
This consultation will close on 31 October 2006.
