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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to his answers of 27 October 2004, Official Report, columns 1261-62W, on hazardous waste, what assessment has been made of the sources of illegal special waste being dumped in Northern Ireland; if he will list the nature of the special waste being dumped; and what action is being taken to prevent future incidences of the illegal dumping of special waste. [197071] Angela Smith: The majority of special waste illegally deposited is the residual material produced from the illegal laundering of diesel with a small amount (less than 2 per cent.) of waste asbestos accounting for the remainder. Given the very nature of the waste and the way in which it is deposited (fly-tipped usually at night), it is difficult to trace the source. In most cases there is insignificant evidence or eye witness accounts to identify the culprit and hence pursue a prosecution. The Department carries out a comprehensive programme of audits and inspections of those involved in the movement of special waste, including those producing special waste, the waste carriers and the facilities receiving the waste, to ensure compliance with the regulations. The Department also works closely with other Agencies, sharing information and intelligence.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c782-3W;426 c787-8W; 197071

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Enforcement Hazardous substances Fly-tipping Northern Ireland Waste disposal

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk