NEWS

Fire Prevention Plans: Urgent need for information
BMRA would like to reassure members that it is currently following a number of routes to raise awareness of the issues surrounding Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs). We have secured a meeting with the Head of Waste at the Environment Agency, Nicky Cunningham, and we are continuing to gather data to support our claims that, as it stands, the FPP guidance could lead to multiple site closures. As such, we are looking for members to help us gather data, including sharing site plans, to help us put do a deeper analysis. Please call us if you would like to know more or to take part. 

SMDA Review update
The team has continued to pursue its mission to ensure the Review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act is given the attention it requires. Supported by members, Robert and BMRA President Susie Burrage have had meetings with a number of MPs and a meeting with Bernard Lane of the Home Office. At all meetings, BMRA clearly set out its demands, including the necessity for increased and sustained enforcement of the Act, the need to make receiving cash for scrap metal illegal and the benefits of implementing reverse charge VAT in the sector. The team will continue to meet influential stakeholders in its drive to bring about change.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

UKELA Brexit Taskforce
Sam took part in a UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA) meeting to discuss the implications for waste law following Brexit. Work had progressed on the UKELA response to Government and the final waste working party matrix had now been published. A recent Court of Appeal decision clarified that the same waste activity cannot be duel regulated by the Environment Agency (EA) and Local Authority. The Agency's permit prevailed over the London Borough of Newham's (LBN) in this case as the mobile plant being operated was an “integral part of the waste operation”. LBN had no jurisdiction to impose restrictions on the activity. Once again, EA Fire Prevention Plan guidance was reported to be causing a large number of issues across the waste sector. 

Legislative Policy Group (Wales)
The group had a teleconference to catch up on a number of issues affecting the industry in Wales. The Landfill Disposals Tax, introduced as a Bill on 26 November 2016, is expected to receive Royal Ascent this summer. Rates are expected to be in line with England's and the Retail Price Index. As with most meetings Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs) dominated the discussion. Having held a meeting last May to discuss its plans for revising its own FPP guidance, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) concluded it does not have the in-house competency so will be outsourcing this project to consultants with plans being approved by the Fire Service. Ian Kerr has now stepped down as Chairman of the group and BMRA would like to thank him for his contribution. If anyone is interested in joining the group, please contact Sam. 

International Automobile Recycling Congress
Sam attended two days of the International Automobile Recycling Congress (IARC), which debated key important issues for the coming year, including: reducing automotive recycling to 'zero waste'; changes and coverage of the ELV Directive (missing vehicles) in addition to regulation and innovation in the sector. 

Tripartite Meeting
Accompanied by Board Member Mark Vaughan of ELG, Robert and Sam attended the first Tripartite meeting of 2017 where there was much discussion on the on-going problems with gas cylinders. To highlight their potentially lethal impact, a representative from Tata showed a film of a recent explosion in a furnace thought to have been caused by a gas cylinder. Those at the meeting agreed that the gas cylinder industry was still not taking its responsibilities seriously and it was agreed that the Tripartite committee would write to Defra to add weight to the demands for extended producer responsibility on all gas cylinders. It was also agreed that the BMRA should take the lead in this matter. 

Industrial Emissions Directive BAT meeting
In March, Howard joined the final Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting, which comprised over 100 delegates from a wide range of stakeholder interests, including Member State competent authorities, trade associations and environmental non-governmental organisations. The purpose of the meeting was to agree the proposed Best Available Techniques (BATs) conclusions detailed in Chapter Six of the revised draft of the Waste Treatment BREF, issued by the European Commission in January 2017. 
 
A full summary of the meeting can be found here, together with the supporting documents (Chap 6 and Bat conclusions) issued by the European Commission.
 
BMRA is currently in discussion with the Environment Agency in holding a half-day workshop on IED for operators of shredder installations (this may be coupled with a session on Fire Prevention Plans). Additionally, we are exploring which aspects of the monitoring requirements could be relaxed for the industry and what, if any, additional data would be needed to support this. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Howard.

EuRIC: Conference and General Assembly
EuRIC’s Annual Conference this year focused on competitive recycling markets in Europe. It featured speakers from the European Commission's Environment Directorate and Waste Management and Secondary Materials Unit, as well as from the LME, Veolia and EMR. With over 200 delegates it offered an ideal opportunity for BMRA to field questions regarding Brexit. As serving EuRIC board members and delegates, Robert Fell, Howard Bluck, BMRA and EUROMETREC President Susie Burrage and BMRA Vice-President Graeme Carus also attended the General Assembly.

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'DAY AT THE RACES'

Announcing the all-new BMRA Afternoon at the Races, which will take place on 28 April at the Huntingdon Racecourse. Hosted in a private box with great views over the course, the price includes admission to the main enclosure, a champagne drinks reception and a three-course meal. With seven races on the card, it looks likely to be an exciting day of racing. Tickets cost £112 plus VAT. If you would like to know more or would like to book your place now, email Lyn or call 01480 455249.

As places are strictly limited, we strongly advise you book your place without delay! Download your booking forms here. 

 

 

BMRA Golf Day and AGM

This year’s Golf Day will take place at Celtic Manor on 5 July. Following on from the Annual General Meeting, the golf event will comprise a shotgun start and be played on The Roman Road course. The day will end with a dinner in the evening, which will be another great chance for members to network.

The cost for the whole day is £500 plus VAT per team of four, including dinner, and the cost to attend just the dinner is £50 plus VAT. If you have any questions, email Lyn Sheridan or call 01480 455249.

[Click here for more information and booking forms.]