Due to proposed changes made by the Environment Agency (EA) regarding UK wood recycling operations, the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA) has raised concerns on updates to fire prevention plans.
The Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) guidance includes regulatory requirements that operators of permitted waste sites storing combustible waste must apply. The EA guidance updates have been prompted by an increase in fires at waste treatment sites with the aim to reduce risk and affects of fires in local environments.
However, concerns identified by the WRA suggest that some of the proposed EA changes are not backed by practical or scientific evidence, hence why the WRA is urging its members to share their views during this consultation period which closes on Friday 4th March 2016.
A summary of the concerns raised include:
- The rotation of waste wood stock on a three to six month basis.
- The reduction in stockpile sizes for internal and external stacks.
- The constriction to deviate from minimum standards outline in the FFP.
Due to the lack of scientific evidence and the disregard of practical operating procedures, even with the WRA working tirelessly with its members to implement important health, safety and environmental criteria, the proposed changes and consultation period has come before evidential support has been determined from recent fire testing.
Commenting on the consultation Andy Hill, Chairman of the WRA, said: “The WRA is committed to safety, professionalism and protecting the environment and we agree fundamentally that operators should have Fire Prevention Plans in place.
“Many of our members have already invested heavily to improve fire detection and prevention and other health and safety measures on their sites. We are the first waste stream to hold fire tests to help inform this process and we have helped and encouraged that process and are now awaiting results.
“We are concerned that both the EA’s FPP guidance and the consultation were issued prior to the results of any fire tests being known, when those results will undoubtedly help to determine some of the answers to these questions.
“We are contacting all of our members to support them in understanding the EA guidance and the consultation and encourage them to take part in the consultation to ensure our industry’s feedback is heard.”
For information on the consultation document and to express your own views please visit the EA website consultation page.
