Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 14 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 February 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 March 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Toxic Sludge

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the environmental implications of toxic sludge being dumped on agricultural land.

Answer: The Waste Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 permit the spreading of certain commercial sludges on agricultural land, providing that activity results in benefit to agriculture. These activities are assessed and authorised by the Waste Management and Contaminated Land Unit, of the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and would not be permitted if there were deemed to be a risk of adverse environmental impact. Any unauthorised disposal of commercial sludge causing environmental damage would be investigated with a view to prosecution. EHS is not aware of a wide-spread problem in this respect, although prosecution files are being prepared regarding four incidents.

Secondary information