environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
The proposed development is in line with the policies of Meath County Council. The proposed
extension of the existing composting facility will not negatively impact on the character and amenity of
the surrounding area. This is dealt with in more detail in Chapter 11 (Landscape and Visual Impact) of
this EIS. This proposal has taken into consideration traffic and this is addressed in Chapter 13 (Traffic &
Road Assessment) of this EIS. Environmental and amenity considerations have been dealt with in
Chapter 5 (Human Beings/Socio Economic), Chapter 6 (Flora & Fauna), Chapter 7 (Soils/Geology &
Hydrogeology), Chapter 8 (Water), Chapter 9 (Air Quality And Climate), Chapter 10 (Noise and
Vibration) and Chapter 12 (Cultural Heritage & Archaeology) of this EIS.
The existing facility and its proposed extension will continue to operate in line with current policies, and
regulations.
4.4 THE NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
Policy Drivers
The Waste Management Plan for the North East Region (2005-2010) sets out the following policy
objectives for biological treatment:
‘It will be a priority of the Plan to ensure that biological treatment of separately collected organic waste
is developed in the Region. This treatment is required to meet our requirements under the Landfill
Directive as well as to meet the recycling targets set in the Plan’ (Ref Section 3.7, Northeast WMP).
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in a 2008 circular, requested local
authorities to intensify the roll out of brown bins for the source separation and collection of domestic
biowaste for biological treatment.
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Following a consultation period and subsequent publication of a guidance document titled ‘Municipal
Solid Waste – Pre-treatment & Residuals Management’, the EPA has recently reviewed all landfill
waste licences to include pre-treatment conditions for Ireland to fulfil its obligations under the EU
Landfill Directive. Essentially, conditions have been imposed on landfill facility operators requiring that
all municipal waste received is pre-treated prior to disposal.
In the reviewed licences, the EPA has set limits on the Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) content
in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accepted at landfill of 40% (by weight) for 2010; 24% (by weight) for
2013; and, 15% (by weight) for 2016 and subsequent years. The limits will be subject to periodic
review, by the EPA, as demanded by annual waste statistical returns, however significant fluctuations in
the limits presented are not expected.
The diversion of biowaste from landfill by the implementation of a separate collection for food and
garden waste is regarded as pre-treatment. Hence the review of all landfill waste licences to include
specific pre-treatment conditions will further stimulate the roll out of brown bins in urban areas in Ireland
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