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Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin
Poots has launched guidance that will help to safely reuse
soil from construction sites.
The 'Guidance on the Sustainable Re-use of Greenfield
Soil in Construction' was produced by the Northern Ireland
Environment Agency (NIEA) in partnership with the Construction
Employers Federation and other industry stakeholders.
Speaking on the launch, Mr Poots said - "I firmly believe
that the pursuit of environmental and economic goals is complimentary.
I particularly welcome the joint working between NIEA and
the construction industry to produce this guidance, which
I see as a positive step for Northern Ireland’s environment
and economy."
The European Waste Framework Directive classifies surplus
soil from construction sites as a waste. This means that its
movement must be regulated under waste management controls
that cost both time and money. This has contributed to clean
soils being dumped illegally or unnecessarily going to landfill.
The new guidance clearly lays down conditions under which
uncontaminated, greenfield soil from construction sites can
be re-used sustainably without the requirement for environmental
regulatory controls.
The Minister said - "One of the most important aims of my
department is landfill diversion. This is not only due to
the financial implications of impending EU infraction fines,
but because it goes against the grain to bury valuable resources
in to the ground.
"This guidance provides sensible regulations and solutions
that are proportionate and effective - yet risk-based. This
will ensure that what was formerly classified as 'waste'
can be re-used sustainably, whilst still protecting the environment
and human health."
John Armstrong, Managing Director of the CEF added - "We
very much welcome this new guidance. In the past, our members
could not understand why clean topsoil or other useful soils
could be classified as ‘waste’. This new guidance will
help streamline the re-use of soil while still protecting
the environment.
"The Federation encourages the industry to move soils responsibly
and in accordance with this new guidance in order to demonstrate
that we can self-regulate responsibly. This will build confidence
with the regulator and prove that this type of ‘lighter-touch’
can work for both the industry and the environment."
Download the guidance document - Click
Here [658KB]
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