SEWPAG
9th January 2012
Item 9
SEWPAG Action Plan 2012 / 2013;
The Actions in the Action Plan have been grouped together by topic with a short
update on each issue:
A
Policy development
1.
Engage with DEFRA / EA to develop our knowledge base and the value and
effectiveness of their data for waste planning, including consideration of the
output of DEFRA’s current C&I survey and mapping of waste facilities and
encourage continuation of the national waste data group.
Influence preparation of the National Waste Management Plan and respond
appropriately to any consultation.
3.
Current position:
Defra have confirmed that the National Waste Data Strategy has now ceased and all
actions are contained in the Review of Waste Strategy 2007.
Action 46 of the Waste Strategy Review Action Plan is to reduce Waste Data Flow
(WDF) reporting burdens and further states that the Government “will develop further
improvements to reduce burdens on local authorities, taking into account existing
reporting obligations and building on from the measures already implemented”.
The National Waste Infrastructure Report was published in October 2011:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/data/134327.aspx
B
Liaison with other RTABs
2.
Work with other organisations at a national and local level to improve consistency
and quality of data at larger than local level.
Continue dialogue with other RTABs and DEFRA to pursue issues of mutual
interest and benefit, including developing consistent data recording and reporting
methodology.
4.
Current position:
The East and West Midlands Waste Advisory Groups have reached an agreement with
the Environment Agency on further analysis of the Waste Infrastructure Report and the
letter outlining this process is attached. The meeting is asked to consider if SEWPAG
should take the same approach and initiate discussion with representatives of the
Environment Agency accordingly.
Discussions are on-going with Defra officials with regard to the NWMP and opportunities
will be taken to influence the Plan wherever possible. Defra has suggested a meeting of
the National Chairs of RTABs grouping in February which is being arranged. SEWPAG’s
waste model and capacity database can be demonstrated to this meeting.
C
Waste Capacity Database and Model
7.
Develop a framework for improved consistency of reporting amongst WPAs on
waste capacity and make improvements to the regional waste capacity model.
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SEWPAG
8.
10.
9th January 2012
Item 9
Develop a data entry tool to assist uploading of data on waste capacity and
explore opportunities for external funding as a pilot model.
Agree common approaches for forecasting and modelling.
Current position:
The waste arisings model and capacity database are being developed and refined. A
common approach to forecasting can be developed, while allowing WPAs to diverge from
this if desired.
D
Website and Communications
9.
13.
Present relevant data and other information on common website.
Develop a website (or find an existing website to host it) to enable display of the
Group’s administrative, technical and resource material.
Develop a practice group to log and share good practice and other appropriate
tasks as required.
16.
Current position:
The “Communities of Practice” website is to be discontinued in March 2012 and
discussions are on-going with LGA officers with regard to using the Knowledge Hub to
host papers and data of interest to SEPAG members.
https://knowledgehub.local.gov.uk/
A Waste Planning site is being set up on the Knowledge Hub where SEWPAG papers
and information will be posted and which can be used to share good practice, model
policies etc. DS will be the primary facilitator and all SEWPAG members will be
encouraged to join. Other waste planners in England could also be encouraged to join
and post meeting notes etc so that this can be a central repository for a large amount of
information of interest to all parties.
E
Joint working and information exchange
4.
Provide a framework of support to WPAs preparing waste plans, including advice
on the evidence base.
Set up workshop sessions to consider good practice and other common issues,
as separate meetings or extensions of “business” meetings.
Establish networks, methodologies and protocols for information transfer.
Prepare common resource materials for WPAs such as information and policies
for dealing with LLRW.
Develop model LDF policies e.g. hazardous waste/LLRW
14.
15.
19.
20.
Current position:
The waste model and capacity database will form the first element of this. Further work
will be carried out to identify the advice desired by WPAs for their plan-making work.
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SEWPAG
9th January 2012
Item 9
F
Liaison with London and other neighbouring authorities regarding
waste movements
11.
Examine cross-boundary movement of waste and better understand commercial
considerations.
Pursue discussion with GLA/London Boroughs/disposal groups on planning for
London’s waste.
12.
Current position:
Good relationships have been developed with the London Boroughs and the London
RTAB is meeting regularly which provides a key forum for examining these issues. The
EA has lead on the production of information outlining exports of waste from London to
landfill and charts showing this information are attached.
G
Liaison with Industry and outside bodies
17.
Prepare and circulate a questionnaire to the waste industry to establish what they
would like from SEWPAG.
Make arrangements for liaison with the industry.
Set up liaison arrangements with the waste water industry.
18.
21.
Current position:
Work on this is still to be developed. Initial contact has been made with the ESA.
H
Future Development of the Group
6.
Assess the action plan and outcomes to help demonstrate that the SEWPAG
provides effective use of resources.
Current position:
The recent survey provided some initial evidence for this and can be further developed.
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