The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (DoE NI) have this month announced their intention to revise the application process for agricultural waste exemptions. The announcement was made to exempt four further agricultural activities from the full rigours of the Waste Management Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2006/280, which were due to come into force on 31 July 2007, and was in recognition of the concerns of the farming industry.
The proposed legislation, when introduced, will allow for:
Environment Minister Arlene Foster said, "Without the provision for these exemptions, farmers wishing to carry out these activities would have to apply for a full waste management licence and could incur potential costs of up to £9,000 in the first year and £6,500 in ensuing years. I am keen to avoid unnecessary burdens on the farming industry, particularly for what are viewed as low-risk activities and that is why I have decided to ease the legislative requirements for these activities."
The new waste exemption form will now not need to be completed until next year, and anyone requiring any further information on the management of agricultural waste or how to apply for exemptions should contact the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).
