Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 July 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Thursday, 4 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who is responsible for (a) testing and (b) monitoring (i) incinerator ash and (ii) incinerator emissions; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who is responsible for (a) testing and (b) monitoring (i) incinerator ash and (ii) incinerator emissions; and if she will make a statement. [65606] Mr. Meacher: Operators are responsible for testing and monitoring incinerator emissions (including incinerator ash) and demonstrating compliance with assessment criteria specified by the regulator. The Environment Agency regulates all municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) with a capacity of 1 tonne per hour or greater. Local authorities regulate MWIs with a capacity less than 1 tonne per hour. The Environment Agency carries out independent monitoring of emissions at least once a year. The agency also checks the operator's monitoring procedures and findings using a formal audit procedure.

Secondary information