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Statutory Instruments of the Scottish Parliament


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SCOTTISH STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS


2003 No. 235

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003

  Made 10th April 2003 
  Coming into force in accordance with article 1(1)

The Scottish Ministers, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999[1] (the "1999 Act"), having in accordance with section 2(4) of the 1999 Act consulted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, such bodies or persons appearing to them to be representative of the interests of local government, industry, agriculture and small businesses respectively, and such other bodies and persons as they consider appropriate, and having by order made by statutory instrument[2] designated Directive 99/31/EC[3] ("the Landfill Directive") as a relevant directive for the purposes of paragraph 20(2)(c) of Schedule 1 to the 1999 Act, hereby make the following Regulations, a draft of which has in accordance with section 2(8) of the 1999 Act been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Scottish Parliament:



PART I

PRELIMINARY

Citation, commencement and extent
     1.  - (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and shall come into force on the day after the day on which they are made (hereinafter referred to as "the relevant date").

    (2) These Regulations extend to Scotland only.

Interpretation
    
2.  - (1) In these Regulations-

    - does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological transformations;

    - does not dissolve, burn or otherwise physically or chemically react, biodegrade or adversely affect other matter with which it comes into contact in a way likely to give rise to environmental pollution or harm to human health; and

    - has insignificant total leachability and pollutant content and ecotoxicity of its leachate are insignificant and, in particular, does not endanger the quality of any surface water or groundwater;

    (2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to-

Application of regulations
     3.  - (1) Subject to regulation 4, these Regulations apply to landfills.

    (2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), for the purposes of this regulation a landfill is a waste disposal site for the deposit of the waste onto or into land.

    (3) Landfills include-

    (4) Landfills do not include-

Cases where regulations do not apply
    
4. These Regulations do not apply to-

Location
     5. A planning permission under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997[9] may be granted for a landfill only if the requirements of paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 3 to these Regulations have been taken into consideration.

Exemptions from certain provisions of regulations
     6. The provisions of these Regulations specified in Schedule 1 shall not apply to-

List of sites
    
7. SEPA shall-

Extension of categories of landfill subject to the 2000 Regulations etc.
    
8.  - (1) In Part A of Section 5.2 of Part I of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations (landfill and disposal to land)-

    (2) Regulations 8(2)(a), 9(1), 9(3) to 9(12) and 9(14) of the 2000 Regulations shall not apply to landfills.

    (3) Paragraph 5(b) of Part 1 of Schedule 4 and paragraph 4(8)(b) of Part 2 of Schedule 7 to the 2000 Regulations (requirements to advertise in the Edinburgh Gazette), shall not apply to landfills falling within paragraph (b) of Part A of Section 5.2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to those Regulations.



PART II

LANDFILL PERMITS

Classification of landfills
    
9. Before granting a landfill permit, SEPA shall classify the landfill as a-

and shall ensure that the classification is stated in the landfill permit.

Conditions to be included in landfill permits
    
10.  - (1) A landfill permit shall include conditions specifying the list of defined types, and the total quantity, of waste authorised to be deposited in the landfill.

    (2) A landfill permit shall also include appropriate conditions-

    (3) A landfill permit shall also include-

    (4) The provisions of these Regulations mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) above impose obligations directly on an operator of a landfill (rather than through the conditions of a landfill permit) only to the extent specified in paragraph 3 of Schedule 5.

Prohibition of acceptance of certain wastes at landfills
     11.  - (1) The operator of a landfill shall not accept any of the following types of waste at the landfill-

    (2) The operator of a landfill shall ensure that the landfill is not used for landfilling waste which has been diluted or mixed solely to meet the relevant waste acceptance criteria.

    (3) For the purposes of this regulation, waste is-

Waste which may be accepted in the different classes of landfill
    
12.  - (1) The operator of a landfill shall ensure that the landfill is only used for landfilling waste which is subject to prior treatment unless-

    (2) The operator of a landfill for hazardous waste shall ensure that only waste which fulfils the waste acceptance criteria in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 2 is accepted at the landfill.

    (3) The operator of a landfill for non-hazardous waste shall ensure that the landfill is only used for landfilling-

    (4) Where hazardous waste of the type described in paragraph (3)(c) is disposed of at a landfill for non-hazardous waste, the operator shall ensure it is not deposited in cells used or intended to be used for the disposal of biodegradable non-hazardous waste.

    (5) The operator of a landfill for inert waste shall ensure that the landfill is only used for landfilling inert waste which meets the waste acceptance criteria in paragraphs 1 and 4 of Schedule 2.

Costs of disposal of waste in landfill
    
13. The operator of a landfill shall ensure that the charges the operator makes for the disposal of waste in its landfill covers all of the following-

Waste acceptance procedures
    
14.  - (1) The operator shall visually inspect the waste at the entrance to the landfill and at the point of the deposit and shall be satisfied that it conforms with the description provided in the documentation submitted by the holder.

    (2) The operator shall, in accordance with such procedures as are specified by SEPA, test waste to establish whether it corresponds to the description in the accompanying documents, and if representative samples are taken for analysis, the operator shall retain the samples and results of any analysis for at least one month.

    (3) The operator shall keep a register showing-

    (4) The information required to be kept under paragraph (3) shall be made available to SEPA on request.

    (5) The operator on accepting each delivery of waste shall provide a written receipt to the person delivering it.

    (6) Where waste is not accepted at a landfill the operator shall inform SEPA of that fact as soon as reasonably possible, and in any event within 7 days.

Initial site inspections by SEPA
    
15.  - (1) The operator of a landfill shall not commence disposal operations before SEPA has inspected the site in order to ensure that it complies with the relevant conditions of the landfill permit.

    (2) Nothing in paragraph (1) in any way reduces the obligations of the operator to comply with the conditions of the permit.

Control and monitoring of operational landfill sites
    
16.  - (1) The following requirements shall apply to landfill sites from the start of the operational phase until definitive closure.

    (2) The operator shall carry out the control and monitoring procedures set out in Schedule 4.

    (3) Where the procedures required by paragraph (2) reveal any significant adverse environmental effects, the operator shall notify SEPA as soon as reasonably possible.

    (4) Where it receives a notification of significant adverse environmental effects in accordance with paragraph (3), SEPA shall determine the nature and timing of corrective measures that are necessary and shall require the operator to carry them out.

    (5) The operator shall report to SEPA on the basis of aggregated data-

the results of monitoring and on such other matters which SEPA requires to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of the landfill permit or to increase knowledge of the behaviour of waste in landfill.

    (6) The operator shall ensure that quality control of-

is carried out by competent laboratories.

Closure and after care procedures for landfills
    
17.  - (1) The following closure and after-care procedures shall apply to all landfill sites.

    (2) The procedures may relate to the closure of the whole of the landfill or part of it.

    (3) The closure procedure shall begin-

    (4) A landfill shall not be definitely closed until-

    (5) Following definite closure of a landfill, after care procedures shall ensure that-

    (6) Notwithstanding regulations 15 to 17 of the 2000 Regulations (requirements on surrender or revocation of permits), SEPA shall not accept any application for complete or partial surrender of the landfill permit, or revoke it in whole or in part, for as long as SEPA considers that the landfill (or the relevant part of it) is likely to cause a hazard to the environment.

    (7) The operator shall not be relieved from liability under the conditions of the landfill permit by reason of SEPA's approval of closure under paragraph (4)(b)(iii).

Closure Notices
    
18.  - (1) Where SEPA has taken a reasoned decision under regulation 17(3)(c), it shall serve a closure notice under this regulation ("a closure notice") on the operator of the landfill.

    (2) A closure notice shall-

    (3) SEPA may withdraw a closure notice at any time.



PART III

MISCELLANEOUS

Offences
    
19.  - (1) It is an offence for a landfill operator to contravene-

    (2) A person who is guilty of an offence under paragraph (1) is liable-

    (3) Where an offence under this regulation committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to have been attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, that person as well as the body corporate shall be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

    (4) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, paragraph (3) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with that member's functions of management as if that member were a director of the body corporate.

    (5) Where the commission by any person of an offence under this regulation is due to the act or default of some other person, that other person may be charged with and convicted of the offence by virtue of this paragraph whether or not proceedings for the offence are taken against the first-mentioned person.

Transitional Provisions
    
20. Schedule 5 (which contains transitional provisions) has effect.

Amendments
    
21. Schedule 6 (which makes amendments to other legislation) has effect.


ROSS FINNIE
A member of the Scottish Executive

St AndrewÕs House, Edinburgh
10th April 2003



SCHEDULE 1
Regulation 6


PROVISIONS OF THESE REGULATIONS FROM WHICH LANDFILLS FALLING WITH REGULATION 6 ARE EXEMPT




SCHEDULE 2
Regulations 2 and 12


WASTE ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA


Criteria for acceptance of waste which apply to all kinds of landfill
     1.  - (1) The following criteria shall apply to the acceptance of waste at any landfill.

    (2) Waste may only be accepted at a landfill provided its acceptance would not compromise the protection-

Additional criteria for acceptance of waste at landfills for hazardous waste
     2. Waste may only be accepted at a landfill for hazardous waste if-

Additional criteria for acceptance of waste at landfills for non-hazardous waste
     3. Waste may only be accepted at a landfill for non-hazardous waste if it is-

Additional criteria for acceptance of waste at landfills for inert waste
     4. Waste may only be accepted at a landfill for inert waste if it is listed in the following Table or it otherwise falls within the definition of inert waste in regulation 2(1).


Waste acceptable at landfills for inert waste
European Waste Catalogue Chapter European Waste Catalogue Code Description Exclusions
10 - Wastes from thermal processes 10 11 03 Waste glass based fibrous materials     
15 - Waste packaging; absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified 15 01 07 Glass packaging     
17 - Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites) 17 01 07

17 01 02

17 01 03

17 02 02

17 05 04

Concrete

Bricks

Tiles and ceramics

Glass

Soil and stones

Excluding topsoil, peat
20 - Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions 20 01 02

20 02 02

Glass

Soil and stones

Excluding topsoil, peat



SCHEDULE 3
Regulations 5 and 10(3)(a)(i)


GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LANDFILLS


Location
     1.  - (1) The location of a landfill must take into consideration requirements relating to-

    (2) A landfill permit may be issued for the landfill only if-

indicate that the landfill does not pose a serious environmental risk.

    (3) In this paragraph "nature protection zone" means land which has been notified under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[
12] or a European site within the meaning of regulation 10(1) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994[13].

Water control and leachate management
     2.  - (1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), appropriate arrangements shall be made having regard to the characteristics of the landfill and prevailing meteorological conditions in order to -

    (2) Arrangements need not be made in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(c) if SEPA decides that the landfill poses no potential hazard to the environment in view of its location and the kinds of waste to be accepted at the landfill.

    (3) This paragraph does not apply to inert landfills.

Protection of soil and water and leachate collection and sealing systems
     3.  - (1) The landfill must be situated and designed so as to -

    (2) Soil, groundwater and surface water is to be protected by the use of a geological barrier combined with-

    (3) The geological barrier shall comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (4) and shall also provide sufficient attenuation capacity to prevent a potential risk to soil and groundwater.

    (4) The landfill base and sides shall consist of a mineral layer which provides protection of soil, groundwater and surface water at least equivalent to that resulting from the following permeability and thickness requirements-

    (5) Where the geological barrier does not meet the requirements of sub-paragraph (4) naturally, it may be completed artificially and reinforced by other means giving equivalent protection, but in any such case a geological barrier established by artificial means must be at least 0.5 metres thick.

    (6) A leachate collection and sealing system to ensure that leachate accumulation at the base of the landfill is kept to a minimum must also be provided in any hazardous or non-hazardous landfill in accordance with the following table:


Leachate collection and bottom sealing
Landfill category Non-hazardous Hazardous
Artificial sealing liner Required Required
Drainage liner ≥ 0.5 metres Required Required

    (7) Where the potential hazards to the environment indicate that the prevention of leachate formation is necessary, surface sealing may be required taking account of the following guidelines:-

Landfill category Non-hazardous Hazardous
Gas drainage layer Required Not required
Artificial sealing liner Not required Required
Impermeable mineral layer Required Required
Drainage layer > 0.5 metres Required Required
Top soil cover > 1 metre Required Required

    (8) The requirements of sub-paragraphs (3) to (7) may be reduced to an appropriate extent if on the basis of an assessment of environmental risks, having regard in particular to Directive 80/68/EEC[14]-

Gas control
     4.  - (1) Appropriate measures must be taken in order to control the accumulation and migration of landfill gas.

    (2) Landfill gas must be collected from all landfills receiving biodegradable waste and the landfill gas must be treated and, to the extent possible, used.

    (3) The collection, treatment and use of landfill gas under sub-paragraph (2) must be carried on in a manner which minimises damage to or deterioration of the environment and risk to human health.

    (4) Landfill gas which cannot be used to produce energy must be flared.

Nuisances and hazards
     5.  - (1) Measures must be taken to minimise the nuisances and hazards arising from the landfill in relation to-

    (2) The landfill must be equipped so that dirt originating from the site is not dispersed onto public roads and the surrounding land.

Stability
     6.  - (1) The placement of waste must ensure stability of all the waste on the site, and associated structures, and in particular must avoid slippages.

    (2) Where an artificial barrier is used, the geological substratum must be sufficiently stable, taking into account the morphology of the landfill, to prevent settlement that may cause damage to the barrier.

Site security
     7.  - (1) The landfill must be secured to prevent free access to the site.

    (2) The gates of the landfill must be locked outside operating hours.

    (3) The system of control and access to each facility must contain a programme of measures to detect and discourage illegal dumping in the facility.



SCHEDULE 4
Regulations 16(2) and 17(5)(c)


MINIMUM MONITORING PROCEDURES FOR LANDFILLS


Application of this Schedule
     1. This Schedule sets out minimum procedures for monitoring to be carried out to check-

Emission data: water, leachate and gas control
     2.  - (1) Samples of leachate or surface water (if present) must be collected at representative points.

    (2) Sampling and measuring of the volume and composition of any leachate must be performed separately at each point at which leachate is discharged from the site.

    (3) Monitoring of surface water (if present) shall take place at at least two points, one upstream from the landfill and one downstream.

    (4) Gas monitoring must be carried out for each section of the landfill and representative samples must be collected and analysed in accordance with Table 1.

    (5) A sample of leachate and water representative of the average composition, shall be taken for monitoring purposes in accordance with Table 1.


TABLE 1
     Operational phase After-care phase(3)
Leachate volume (2) Monthly (1), (3) Every six months
Leachate composition (2)(4) Quarterly(1) Every six months
Volume and composition of surface water (5) Quarterly (1) Every six months
Potential gas emissions and atmospheric Pressure(6) (CH4, CO2, O2, H2S, H2 etc) Monthly (1), (7) Every six months (8)

Notes to Table 1
(1) Longer intervals may be allowed if the evaluation of data indicates that they would be equally effective. For leachates, the conductivity must always be measured at least once a year.

(2) These do not apply where leachate collection is not required under paragraph 2(1)(c) of Schedule 3.

(3) The frequency of sampling may be adapted on the basis of the morphology of the landfill waste (in tumulus, buried, etc) (but only if SEPA considers that the conditions of the landfill permit should allow for it).

(4) The parameters to be measured and substances to be analysed vary according to the composition of the waste deposited. They must be specified in the conditions of the landfill permit and reflect the leaching characteristics of the wastes.

(5) On the basis of the characteristics of the landfill site, SEPA may determine that these measurements are not required.

(6) These measurements are related mainly to the content of the organic material in the waste.

(7) CH4, CO2, O2 regularly, other gases as required, according to the composition of the waste deposited, with a view to reflecting its leaching properties.

(8) Efficiency of the gas extraction system must be checked regularly.

Protection of groundwater : Sampling
     3.  - (1) The sampling measurements must be sufficient to provide information on groundwater likely to be affected by the discharge from the landfill, with at least one measuring point in the groundwater inflow region and two in the outflow region.

    (2) The number of measurements referred to in sub-paragraph (1) may be increased on the basis of a specific hydrogeological survey on the need for an early identification of accidental leachate release in the groundwater.

    (3) Sampling must be carried out in at least three locations before the filling operations in order to establish reference values for future sampling.

Protection of groundwater : Monitoring
     4.  - (1) The monitoring of groundwater shall be carried out in accordance with Table 2.

    (2) The parameters to be analysed in the samples taken must be derived from the expected composition of the leachate and the groundwater quality in the area.

    (3) In selecting the parameters for analysis the mobility in the groundwater zone must be taken into account.

    (4) Parameters may include indicator parameters in order to ensure an early recognition of change in water quality. The recommended parameters are pH, TOC, phenols, heavy metals, fluoride, As, oil/hydrocarbons.


TABLE 2
     Operational phase After-care phase
Level of groundwater Every six months(1) Every six months(1)
Groundwater composition Site-specific frequency(2), (3) Site-specific frequency(2), (3)

Notes to Table 2
(1) If there are fluctuating groundwater levels, the frequency must be increased.

(2) The frequency must be based on the possibility for remedial action between two samplings if a trigger level is reached, i.e. the frequency must be determined on the basis of knowledge and the evaluation of the velocity of groundwater flow.

(3) When a trigger level is reached (see paragraph 5), verification is necessary by repeating the sampling. When the level has been confirmed, a contingency plan set out in the landfill permit conditions must be followed.

Protection of groundwater :Trigger levels
     5.  - (1) Significant adverse environmental effects, as referred to in regulations 16(3) and 17(5)(b), should be considered to have occurred in the case of groundwater, when an analysis of a groundwater sample shows a significant change in water quality.

    (2) The level at which the effects referred to in sub-paragraph (1) are considered to have occurred ("the trigger level") must be determined taking account of the specific hydrogeological formations in the location of the landfill and groundwater quality.

    (3) The trigger level must be set out in the conditions of a landfill permit whenever possible.

    (4) The observations must be evaluated by means of control charts with established control rules and levels for each downgradient well.

    (5) The control levels must be determined from local variations in groundwater quality.

Topography of the site: data on the landfill body
     6. The topography of the site and settling behaviour of the landfill body shall be monitored in accordance with Table 3.


TABLE 3
     Operating phase After-care phase
Structure and composition of landfill body(1) Yearly     
Settling behaviour of the level of the landfill body Yearly Yearly reading

Note to Table 3
(1) Data for the status plan of the concerned landfill: surface occupied by waste, volume and composition of waste, methods of depositing, time and duration of depositing, calculation of the remaining capacity still available at the landfill.



SCHEDULE 5
Regulation 20


TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS


Existing landfills : transitional provisions
     1.  - (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), this regulation shall apply to a landfill if-

    (a) it is already in operation on the relevant date; or

    (b) it has not been brought into operation by that date but the relevant authorisation for its operation was granted before that date.

    (2) A landfill to which this paragraph applies which falls within paragraph (b) of Part A of Section 5.2 in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations shall be treated as an existing installation for the purposes of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to those Regulations.

    (3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), where-

    (a) the operator has notified SEPA that the operator does not propose to accept waste for disposal after 16th July 2002;

    (b) SEPA decides, following the submission by the operator of a conditioning plan, as required by article 14(a) of Directive 99/31/EC on the landfill of waste, that there is no reasonable prospect of the landfill or part of it meeting the relevant requirements of these Regulations, (such decision and the reasons for it to be set out in a notice served on the operator); or

    (c) the operator has failed to submit a conditioning plan or has failed to notify SEPA that the operator does not propose to accept waste after 16th July 2002,

SEPA shall ensure that closure of the landfill site (in whole or in part) takes place as soon as possible in accordance with regulation 17.

    (4) Where the operator proposes to continue to accept waste but has failed to submit a conditioning plan the relevant authorisation shall cease to have effect so as to authorise the disposal or waste at the landfill, and SEPA shall proceed with the closure of the site under sub-paragraph (3) unless and until the operator submits a conditioning plan and SEPA has agreed to consider it.

    (5) In any case falling within paragraph (3)-

    (a) regulation 17 shall apply as if-

      (i) references to a landfill permit were references to a relevant authorisation; and

      (ii) where the relevant authorisation is a waste management licence, references to the operator were references to the licence holder; and

      (iii) in paragraph (6) after "revocation of permits)" there were inserted "and sections 38, 39 and 42 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (revocation, suspension and surrender of waste management licences)"; and

    (b) SEPA shall, if necessary, by notice in writing served on the operator or, in the case of a waste management licence, the licence holder, vary the conditions of the relevant authorisation so that-

      (i) waste is no longer accepted for disposal on the whole or the relevant part of the landfill site from such date as is specified in the notice; and

      (ii) the closure and after care procedures will operate in accordance with regulation 17.

    (6) In any case where the whole of a landfill site is not subject to closure under sub-paragraph (3), SEPA shall by notice served on the operator specify the period (which shall not be less than six months) within which an application must be made (accompanied by a copy of the conditioning plan)-

    (a) where no landfill permit is in force, for a landfill permit under regulation 7 of the 2000 Regulations; or

    (b) where a landfill permit is in force, for a variation of the permit under regulation 13(2) of the 2000 Regulations,

so that waste may continue to be accepted for disposal at the landfill.

    (7) In any case falling within sub-paragraph (6)(b), if an application is not duly made within the period specified in the notice served on the operator under that provision, the landfill permit shall cease to authorise the disposal of waste at the landfill until the application is duly made.

    (8) Where SEPA decides to grant or vary a landfill permit pursuant to an application made in accordance with sub-paragraph (6), SEPA shall specify the date or dates on which the permit conditions authorised or required by these Regulations take effect.

    (9) SEPA shall exercise its powers under sub-paragraphs (6) and (8)-

    (a) on the basis of an assessment of environmental risks; and

    (b) with a view to achieving full compliance with the relevant requirements of these Regulations-

      (i) as soon as possible; and

      (ii) for landfills falling within Part A(a) of Section 5.2 of Part I of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations by 31st March 2007 at the latest; and

      (iii) for landfills falling within Part A(b) of Section 5.2 of Part I of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations by 16th July 2009.

    (10) In this Schedule "the relevant requirements of these Regulations" do not include the requirements of paragraph 1 of Schedule 3.

     2.  - (1) Paragraph 1 does not apply to a landfill if-

    (a) a landfill permit for its operation was granted on or after 16th July 2001 and before the relevant date;

    (b) it falls within Part A(b) of Section 5.2 in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations and a waste management licence for its operation was granted on or after 16th July 2001 and before the relevant date; or

    (c) the prescribed date determined in accordance with Schedule 3 to the 2000 Regulations for the installation at which the landfill activity is carried out is before the relevant date and an application for a landfill permit was duly made (but not determined) before the relevant date.

    (2) In any case falling with in sub-paragraph (1)(b), the waste management licence shall have effect on or after the relevant date as if it were a landfill permit.

    (3) In any case falling within sub-paragraph (1) SEPA shall exercise its power to vary the relevant authorisation (or determine the outstanding application) so that the relevant requirements of these Regulations are complied with as soon as possible in relation to the landfill in question.

    (4) In any case falling within sub-paragraph (1)(c), where an application for a waste management licence is also outstanding on the relevant date there shall be no obligation on SEPA to determine the application for a waste management licence.

     3.  - (1) The following provisions of these Regulations impose obligations directly on the operator of any landfill which is for the time being classified as a landfill for hazardous waste pending determination of an application made pursuant to paragraph 1(6)-

    (a) on or after the relevant date-

      (i) regulation 11 (prohibition of acceptance of certain wastes); and

      (ii) regulation 14 (waste acceptance procedures);

    (b) on or after 16th July 2004, regulation 12(1) and (2) (waste acceptance requirements).

    (2) For the purposes of applying regulation 11(1)(g) under sub-paragraph 3(1)(a)(i) in relation to the period beginning on the relevant date and ending on 15th July 2004, only the criteria in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 are to be treated as relevant waste acceptance criteria.

    (3) The operator of a landfill which is not classified as a landfill for hazardous waste shall only accept hazardous waste at that landfill on or after the relevant date in the circumstances specified in regulation 12(3)(c) and (4).

     4.  - (1) This paragraph shall apply to any landfill if -

    (a) it falls within of Part A(b) of Section 5.2 in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2000 Regulations; and

    (b) it has not been brought into operation by relevant date but an application for a waste management licence was duly made before that date.

    (2) Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the 2000 Regulations shall apply as if in subparagraphs (a) and (b) "the relevant date" were substituted for "1st January 2001".

    (3) Anything duly done by or in relation to the application for a waste management licence shall be treated as if it had been duly done in relation to an application for a landfill permit.

    (4) SEPA may give the applicant notice requiring him-

    (a) to provide such further information of any description specified in the notice; or

    (b) to take such further steps as it may require for the purpose of determining the application.



SCHEDULE 6
Regulation 21


AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LEGISLATION


Amendment to the Environment Act 1995[
15]
     1. In section 41(2) of the Environment Act 1995 after subsection (f) there is added-

Amendment to the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991[16]
     2. In regulation 2(2)(a) (contents of transfer notes) of the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 after "identify the waste to which it relates" there is inserted "by reference to the appropriate six-digit codes in the European Waste Catalogue.[17]".

Amendment to the 2000 Regulations
     3.  - (1) The 2000 Regulations are amended as follows.

    (2) In regulation 2(1) (Interpretation: general)-

    (3) In regulation 4 (fit and proper person)-

    (4) In regulation 7(2) (permits: general provisions) after "regulation 9" there is inserted "(or the applicable provisions of regulation 10 of the 2003 Regulations)" .

    (5) In regulation 9(15) (Conditions: specific requirements) after "this regulation" there is inserted "or the appropriate provisions of regulation 10 of the 2003 Regulations".

    (6) In regulation 13(1) and (4) (variation of permit) after "regulations 8 and 9" there is inserted "or regulation 10 of the 2003 Regulations".

    (7) In regulation 22 (appeals to the Scottish Ministers and the sheriff)-

    (8) In regulation 23(1) and (2) (directions to SEPA) after "these Regulations" there is inserted "or the 2003 Regulations".

    (9) In regulation 24(1) and (2) (guidance to SEPA) after "these Regulations" there is inserted "or the 2003 Regulations".

    (10) In regulation 26(1) and (2) (information) after "functions under these Regulations" there is inserted "or the 2003 Regulations".

    (11) In regulation 30(1) (offences)-

    (12) In regulation 34 (application to the Crown)-

    (13) In regulation 35(1) (notices) after "these Regulations" there is inserted "or the 2003 Regulations".

    (14) In Schedule 3 (prescribed date and transitional arrangements)-

    (15) After paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 4 (applications for permits) there is inserted-

    (16) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 (registers)-

The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994
     4.  - (1) the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994[18] are amended as follows.

    (2) In regulation 3 (relevant offences), after sub-paragraph (o) there is inserted-

    (3) In regulation 10(1) (registers),



EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)


These Regulations set out a pollution control regime for landfills for the purpose of implementing Council Directive 99/31/EC on the landfill of waste ("the Landfill Directive") in Scotland. Landfills have previously been subject to either the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 or the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 ("the 2000 Regulations") (which in turn implemented Council Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control ("the IPPC Directive")).

Part I of the Regulations sets out the preliminary provisions. Regulation 2 provides definitions for the purposes of the Regulations. "Waste" is defined by reference to controlled waste within the meaning of section 75(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended for the purposes of these regulations by paragraph 88 of Schedule 22 to the Environment Act 1995 by S.S.I. [ ]. The effect of this amendment is to import all waste which is set out in the new Schedule 2B to the Environment Act 1995 into the definition of controlled waste. One of the main changes which will be effected by this amendment is to import agricultural waste into the scope of these Regulations.

Regulation 3 sets out the scope of the Regulations (subject to the certain exceptions contained in regulation 4). Regulation 5 requires planning authorities to take the location requirements of these Regulations into consideration when granting planning permission.

Regulation 6 sets out the requirements for landfill sites which will be exempt from the provisions of these regulations set out in Schedule 1. Regulation 7 requires SEPA to maintain a list of those landfill sites which are exempt.

Regulation 8 amends the 2000 Regulations so that all landfills covered by these Regulations are Part A installations for the purposes of those Regulations and therefore require a permit under those Regulations. The powers to set conditions in permits under the 2000 Regulations are disapplied for landfills as alternative powers are included in these Regulations.

Part II deals with landfill permits. Regulation 9 requires SEPA to classify landfills as landfills for hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste or inert waste respectively. Regulation 10 sets out the requirements for conditions to be incorporated in landfill permits. These include conditions for ensuring compliance by landfill operators with the relevant requirements of these Regulations which are set out in remaining regulations in this Part and Schedules 2 (waste acceptance criteria), 3 (general requirements) and 4 (monitoring procedures).

Regulation 11 prohibits the acceptance of certain types of waste at landfills and regulation 12 sets out waste which may be accepted in the different classes of landfill. Regulation 13 deals with the costs of disposal of waste in landfill and provides for the operator of a landfill to ensure that the charges which are made by the operator cover certain defined costs, including aftercare.

Regulation 14 lists the waste acceptance procedures which the operator of a landfill site must carry out including a visual inspection, tests, keeping a register of certain information. It also places an obligation on an operator to inform SEPA in the event waste is not accepted at a landfill.

Regulation 15 prevents an operator commencing disposal operations before SEPA has inspected the site to ensure that it complies with the relevant conditions of the landfill permit and regulation 16 lists the control and monitoring procedures which the operator must ensure are carried out from the start of the operational phase until closure.

Regulation 17 provides for closure and after care procedures for landfills which may related to the whole or part of the landfill. Regulation 18 provides for closure notices which may be used by SEPA to initiate closure of landfills.

Part III of these Regulations contains miscellaneous provisions. Regulation 19 creates offences where waste is accepted contrary to the requirements which apply directly to landfill operators under paragraph 3 of Schedule 5. Regulation 20 gives effect to the transitional provisions in Schedule 5 and regulation 21 gives effect to the amendments contained in Schedule 6.

Schedule 5 contains transitional provisions for existing landfills. It sets up a procedure for operators of landfills that will remain operational after the relevant date to bring their operations into compliance with the relevant requirements of these Regulations. Sites which cannot comply will be closed, while the remainder will be granted new permits in accordance with these Regulations as soon as possible within a transitional period up to either 31st March 2007 or 16th July 2009 depending on the size of the landfill.

Schedule 6 makes amendments to other legislation. An amendment is made to section 41 of the Environment Act 1995 so as to enable SEPA to make any charges relating to the carrying out of its functions under these Regulations. Amendments are also made to the 2000 Regulations and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (which cover those landfills previously not subject to the 2000 Regulations) to deal with the introduction of the requirements of these Regulations. Amendments are also made to the "fit and proper person" test applied by regulation 4 of the 2000 Regulations relating to arrangements an operator has to have in place to ensure the landfill is properly managed and financed.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from Miss Fiona Mackay, SEPA Sponsorship and Waste Unit, Waste Regulation Team, 1-J(N) Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.

These Regulations replace the Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003 (S.S.I. 2003/208) as those Regulations were a nullity.


Notes:

[1] 1999 c.24; the functions of the Secretary of State were transferred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of section 53 of the Scotland Act 1998 (c.46), as read with section 5(3) of the said Act of 1999.back

[2] S.S.I. 2003/185.back

[3] O.J. No. L 182, 16.7.99, p.1.back

[4] S.S.I. 2000/323.back

[5] O.J. No. L 337, 31.12.91, p.20 as amended by Council Directive 94/31/EC (O.J. L 168, 2.7.1994, p.28).back

[6] 1990 c.43 and see regulation 7A of S.I. 1992/588 as amended by S.I. 1993/566, regulations 1 and 24(8) of, and paragraph 9 to, Schedule 4 of S.I. 1994/1056 and the amendments made to section 75(2) for the purposes of these Regulations by paragraph 88 of Schedule 22 to the Environment Act 1995 (c.25) by S.S.I. 2003/206.back

[7] O.J. No. L 182, 16.7.1999, p.1; the Directive was designated by S.S.I. 2003/185 as a relevant directive for the purposes of paragraph 20(2)(c) of Schedule 1 to the 1999 Act.back

[8] S.I. 1994/1056; relevant amendments were made by S.I. 1995/288.back

[9] 1997 c.8.back

[10] See paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 6 to these Regulations.back

[11] Council Decision 2000/532/EC (O.J. L 226, 6.9.2000 p.3) as amended by Council Decisions 2001/118/EC (O.J. L 47, 16.2.2001, p.32) and 2001/119/EC (O.J. L 203, 28.7.2001, p.18).back

[12] 1981 c.69.back

[13] See S.I. 1994/2716.back

[14] O.J. No. L 20, 26.1.80, p.43 as amended by Directive 91/692/EEC O.J. No. L 377, 31.12.91, p.48.back

[15] 1995 c.25.back

[16] S.I. 1991/2839; relevant amendments were made by S.I. 2000/1973.back

[17] Council Decision 2000/532/EC (O.J. L 226, 6.9.2000, p.3) as amended by Council Decisions 2001/118/EC (O.J. L 47, 16.2.2001, p.1), 2001/119/EC (O.J. L 47, 16.2.2001 p.32) and 2001/573/EC (O.J. L 203, 28.7.2001, p.18)back

[18] S.I. 1994/1056 to which there are amendments which are not relevant.back



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