Tree Surgeons Waste...WOT!!!

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

I know!, I know!...but that title was on the email response I received from the EA National Policy Team and it kinda set the tone for the response.

 

You may recall I contacted them as the EA were undertaking a review of 'low risk waste' with a view to exempting certain waste products and, on the back of their exemption for 'Virgin Timber', it seemed a good opportunity to try and convince them to include woodchip etc.

 

Anyway, despite my best efforts, too many emails and telephone conversations, they won't budge on it and cited several previous incidents were 'effluent', as run off from woodchip piles, has contaminated water courses (which I was aware of.)

 

Anyway, whilst acknowledging it's unrealistic really, that have cited the exemption for 'virgin timber' and I then enquired whether 'dormant' deciduous trees would be included, i.e. no leaves. It then got a bit ridiculous (and I kinda wished I hadn't asked as I got rather annoyed) but they replied if ALL none woody material was removed at sources, i.e. green twigs / buds and evergreen foliage, then 'yes!'

 

I know there's very (extremely) strong views out there on this subject, AND that there is inconsistency with some EA regions effectively classifying 'woodchip / tree surgery operations' as exempt (I'd keep quiet here as EA Nationally have asked where these regions are...."I dunno???") and not requiring contractors in their regions to hold a Waste Carriers Licence, AND with some issuing a letter/certificate to that effect (lets move house), BUT so far as the AAAC scheme is concerned, AND advice on the matter we give, we will (unformtuantely and apologies) be requiring contractors to hold a valid WCL (thankfully, and I know it's really a principle issue, they don't cost the earth, £140 for 3 years and with a £95 renewal...I think).

 

I don't honestly beleive the 'weight of the industry' will budge the EA on this one and I'm sorry but I can't currently commit anymore time to it.

 

Cheers all..

Paul

[Dean Lofthouse]

I'll take my chances I think and argue the toss when summond to court.

[PeteB]

What is "waste"?

 

Surely woodchip only becomes waste when you have finished with it and don't want or need it anymore.

 

If you are going to re-use woodchip as a mulch (for example), then surely it is woodchip to be used as mulch and not waste - therefore is a WCL really needed?

 

Is Biomass woodchip classed as "waste" when is going to be used in the creation of electricity? On that thought, are logs classed as waste?

[Dean Lofthouse]

I can see a point re effluence next to a river course but that is a totally different issue.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

What is "waste"?

 

Surely woodchip only becomes waste when you have finished with it and don't want or need it anymore.

 

If you are going to re-use woodchip as a mulch (for example), then surely it is woodchip to be used as mulch and not waste - therefore is a WCL really needed?

 

Is Biomass woodchip classed as "waste" when is going to be used in the creation of electricity? On that thought, are logs classed as waste?

 

Pete, 'waste' is any product that has a waste classification reference and woodchip etc. has 3, albeit in differnet guises.

 

Re-logs, IF you only transported logs and no greenery perhaps the 'virgin wood' exemption could apply.

 

At the end of the day 'head', 'brick wall' and 'banging' are common phrases and I simply can't commit any more time to this at the moment.

 

Sorry..!

Paul

[skyhuck]

Thanks for your efforts Paul.

 

What is the purpose of the license???

 

Those who hold one don't tend to record where they take their chip or keep any other records, so whats the point?????????

[18 stoner]

Many thanks for all you have done Paul as I was one of the ones who asked for your help.

 

I would be interested in your reply to Skyhucks question though.