Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots has outlined proposals for new legislation dealing with waste management and contaminated land.
Speaking before the second stage debate on the Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) Bill, the Minister said, “This Bill will empower our local councils to investigate thoroughly, and prosecute effectively, anyone who flouts the law by illegally disposing of waste. The legislation will help create an effective partnership between my Department and local councils to tackle the issue.”
The Minister explained that his Department was working with local government to develop a fly-tipping protocol. This will clearly establish the respective roles and responsibilities of the Department of the Environment and councils in dealing with fly-tipped waste.
He also stated that the Bill will amend the existing legislative framework for the management of land contaminated by pollution, including legislation which has not yet been brought into force, despite being published in 1997. He commented, “The proposed amendments reflect lessons learned through experience of operating the legislation in England and Wales. These changes should help ensure that, when commenced, Northern Ireland has a more effective contaminated land regime.”
