Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004 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, for what reasons sludge sewage has been exempted from requiring a waste management licence for treatment in agriculture; and what research has been undertaken to assess the potential health risks posed by sewage sludge seeping into water supplies. - (Holding answer 18 May 2004).

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons sludge sewage has been exempted from requiring a waste management licence for treatment in agriculture; and what research has been undertaken to assess the potential health risks posed by sewage sludge seeping into water supplies. [173428] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 18 May 2004]: Article 2 of the Waste Framework Directive exempts sewage sludge from waste management licensing requirements if it is used in accordance with the separate Directive on use of sludge in agriculture. This Directive, which is implemented by the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989, as amended, requires sludge to be used in such a way that the quality of the surface and ground water is not impaired. In addition, there are statutory requirements to ensure that only treated water may enter the public drinking water supply, to comply with European and national standards.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 173428; 421 c980W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Agriculture Contamination Licensing Health hazards Water Sewage Waste management Research
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk