28 March 2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 28 March 2001 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr James L Macarthur

APOLOGIES

Mr Iain M Macleod

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Donald M Mackay

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward who was in hospital and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Mackay for a full and speedy recovery.

Welcome: Dr Michael George

The Chairman welcomed Dr Michael George, the Comhairle's designated Medical Officer, to the Meeting.

MINUTES

Environmental Services CH01.02

15

The Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 was approved.

Environmental Services CH01.02

16

The Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2001 was approved.

Environmental Services Sub-Committee CH01.02

17

The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 13 March 2001 was noted.

Fuel Prices Action Group CH02.04.10

18

The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices of 9 February 2001 was noted.

FINANCE

Contaminated Land: Additional Capital Consent

CH03.06

19*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the recent announcement of Capital Expenditure for Local Authorities to enable work associated with the implementation of the new statutory regime for the identification and remediation of contaminated land to be brought forward. The Report indicated that the Comhairle's allocation for 2000/01 was £20k and for 2001/02 £73k and the Comhairle had the option of carrying over the current years allocation into the following financial year. The allocation would enable the Comhairle to investigate sites, take forward enforcement action and, in cases where it was not possible to identify those responsible for the contamination, carry out remediation work.

It was agreed to recommend that, once the Comhairle's Contaminated Land Strategy was published, a Report be submitted to the Committee detailing how the remaining capital consent for contaminated land should be utilised.

TRADING STANDARDS

Grant Aided Training of Trading Standards Staff

M01.03.05

20

The Chairman sought and obtained the Committee's approval to withdraw this item.

Consumer Support Networks

CH02.01.12

21

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Government's initiative to encourage the setting up of local consumer support networks to provide a simple one-step route to consumer advice. The Report indicated that an initial grant was available for those applying by 31 March 2001 to set up a consumer support network. The Comhairle had, with the agreement of WICAS, given notice to the Department of Trade and Industry of its intention to register a consumer support network covering the Western Isles. An application for start up grant had been made and, if successful, the Comhairle and the four Citizen's Advice Bureaux based in the Western Isles could start the network planning process.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle become a primary member of a Consumer Support Network covering the Western Isles;

(2) the action of the Acting Director of Environmental Services in applying for a start up grant in respect of consumer support networks be homologated; and

(3) the current Service Level Agreement with WICAS be maintained.

Foot and Mouth Emergency Procedures

CH03.03

22*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing emergency procedures in respect of Foot and Mouth Disease. The procedures had been developed reflecting the national model and consultation with the relevant agencies. The Committee was informed of the actions taken by a local multi-agency incident control team in order to minimise the risk of Foot and Mouth being brought into the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the emergency procedures for Foot and Mouth Disease be approved;

(2) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to Ross Finnie MSP requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the need to relax movement restrictions within the Western Isles; and

(3) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Divisional Vet requesting that the necessary action is taken to introduce a relaxation of the movement restrictions within the Western Isles as a matter of urgency.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendations (2) and (3) above on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow immediate representations to be made on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Infectious Disease - Outbreak Control Plan

CH03.01

23*

The Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing an Outbreak Control Plan for Infectious Disease Control which had been developed in collaboration with the Comhairle's designated Medical Officer.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle adopt the Outbreak Control Plan for Infectious Disease Control.

Technical Aspects of the Landfill Directive - Consultation

CH03.08

24*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report in respect of the Scottish Executive's consultation document on the technical aspects of the implementation of the EU Landfill Directive on landfilling of waste. The Report highlighted the likely implications to the Comhairle in respect of future waste disposal operation.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the likely implications following on from the translation of the EU Landfill Directive on the landfilling of waste into UK Legislation be noted;

(2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to reply to the Scottish Executive and invite comments from any Member who wishes to contribute to the response; and

(3) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to submit copies of the Report to Benbecula Community Council and Laxdale Community Council.

National Waste Strategy - Area Waste Plan

CH03.08

25

The Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing the progress with the Local Area Waste Plan. Following the production of the Local Area Waste Strategy the Comhairle would be required to draw up an implementation plan for the precise plant and equipment required to deliver the waste diversion targets in the most effective and efficient manner.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the progress made in the preparation of the Local Area Waste Plan be noted; and

(2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to seek expressions of interest from Environmental Consultants to undertake the preparation of the Comhairle's Waste Strategy implementation Plan.

Recycling - Progress Report

CH03.08.33

26*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing progress on recycling initiatives. Work had been undertaken to construct a new process facility for recycling at Bennadrove Landfill. This plant now had the equipment needed to process newspaper/office paper, drinks cans and plastics with the glass stream nearing completion. Consequent savings in landfill tax would be used to create employment necessary for what would be a more labour intensive form of waste treatment and processing. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle had applied to the DTI for project funding for a research project into the use of glass as an aggregate replacement and word had now been received that the Comhairle's bid was on of only nine projects approved out of 250 applications in the whole of the UK.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) progress made on recycling and developments outlined in the Report be noted;

(2) the proposed cost per tonne for oil going for re-processing be noted;

(3) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take the necessary steps to establish the post of re-cycling plant operator;

(4) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take the necessary steps to delete the post of relief site operator and the creation of a new site operator post; and

(5) the Acting Director of Environmental Services submit copies of the Report to all Community Councils and advertise the Comhairle's recycling initiatives in community newspapers.

Public Convenience Strategy

CH03.07

27*

With reference to item 87 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services detailed progress with the Comhairle's public convenience strategy. The strategy involved the gradual hand over of the public convenience service to community management together with a rationalisation of the services by the closure of some toilets which would be inappropriately sited for the completion of new infastructural developments. The Report further indicated that an expression of interest had been received for the provision of an out of hours toilet service in Stornoway town centre.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to seek expressions of interest from businesses in the Stornoway town centre area, located within or no further then 50 metres from the pedestrian precinct area for the provision of an out of hours toilet service.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding

28

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the reports outstanding from decisions of Environmental Services Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PRESENT	Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)
	Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr James L Macarthur

APOLOGIES	Mr Iain M Macleod
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Donald M Mackay

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward who was in hospital and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Mackay for a full and speedy recovery.
Welcome: Dr Michael George		The Chairman welcomed Dr Michael George, the Comhairle's designated Medical Officer, to the Meeting.
		MINUTES
Environmental Services CH01.02	15	The Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 was approved.
Environmental Services CH01.02	16	The Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2001 was approved.
Environmental Services Sub-Committee CH01.02	17	The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 13 March 2001 was noted.
Fuel Prices Action Group CH02.04.10	18	The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Action Group on Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices of 9 February 2001 was noted.
		FINANCE
Contaminated Land: Additional Capital Consent CH03.06	19*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the recent announcement of Capital Expenditure for Local Authorities to enable work associated with the implementation of the new statutory regime for the identification and remediation of contaminated land to be brought forward. The Report indicated that the Comhairle's allocation for 2000/01 was £20k and for 2001/02 £73k and the Comhairle had the option of carrying over the current years allocation into the following financial year. The allocation would enable the Comhairle to investigate sites, take forward enforcement action and, in cases where it was not possible to identify those responsible for the contamination, carry out remediation work. It was agreed to recommend that, once the Comhairle's Contaminated Land Strategy was published, a Report be submitted to the Committee detailing how the remaining capital consent for contaminated land should be utilised.
		TRADING STANDARDS
Grant Aided Training of Trading Standards Staff M01.03.05	20	The Chairman sought and obtained the Committee's approval to withdraw this item.
Consumer Support Networks CH02.01.12	21	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Government's initiative to encourage the setting up of local consumer support networks to provide a simple one-step route to consumer advice. The Report indicated that an initial grant was available for those applying by 31 March 2001 to set up a consumer support network. The Comhairle had, with the agreement of WICAS, given notice to the Department of Trade and Industry of its intention to register a consumer support network covering the Western Isles. An application for start up grant had been made and, if successful, the Comhairle and the four Citizen's Advice Bureaux based in the Western Isles could start the network planning process. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle become a primary member of a Consumer Support Network covering the Western Isles; (2) the action of the Acting Director of Environmental Services in applying for a start up grant in respect of consumer support networks be homologated; and (3) the current Service Level Agreement with WICAS be maintained.
Foot and Mouth Emergency Procedures CH03.03	22*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing emergency procedures in respect of Foot and Mouth Disease. The procedures had been developed reflecting the national model and consultation with the relevant agencies. The Committee was informed of the actions taken by a local multi-agency incident control team in order to minimise the risk of Foot and Mouth being brought into the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the emergency procedures for Foot and Mouth Disease be approved; (2) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to Ross Finnie MSP requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the need to relax movement restrictions within the Western Isles; and (3) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Divisional Vet requesting that the necessary action is taken to introduce a relaxation of the movement restrictions within the Western Isles as a matter of urgency.
		It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine recommendations (2) and (3) above on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow immediate representations to be made on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
Infectious Disease - Outbreak Control Plan CH03.01	23*	The Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing an Outbreak Control Plan for Infectious Disease Control which had been developed in collaboration with the Comhairle's designated Medical Officer. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle adopt the Outbreak Control Plan for Infectious Disease Control.
Technical Aspects of the Landfill Directive - Consultation CH03.08	24*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report in respect of the Scottish Executive's consultation document on the technical aspects of the implementation of the EU Landfill Directive on landfilling of waste. The Report highlighted the likely implications to the Comhairle in respect of future waste disposal operation. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the likely implications following on from the translation of the EU Landfill Directive on the landfilling of waste into UK Legislation be noted; (2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to reply to the Scottish Executive and invite comments from any Member who wishes to contribute to the response; and (3) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to submit copies of the Report to Benbecula Community Council and Laxdale Community Council.
National Waste Strategy - Area Waste Plan CH03.08	25	The Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing the progress with the Local Area Waste Plan. Following the production of the Local Area Waste Strategy the Comhairle would be required to draw up an implementation plan for the precise plant and equipment required to deliver the waste diversion targets in the most effective and efficient manner. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the progress made in the preparation of the Local Area Waste Plan be noted; and (2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to seek expressions of interest from Environmental Consultants to undertake the preparation of the Comhairle's Waste Strategy implementation Plan.
Recycling - Progress Report CH03.08.33	26*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing progress on recycling initiatives. Work had been undertaken to construct a new process facility for recycling at Bennadrove Landfill. This plant now had the equipment needed to process newspaper/office paper, drinks cans and plastics with the glass stream nearing completion. Consequent savings in landfill tax would be used to create employment necessary for what would be a more labour intensive form of waste treatment and processing. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle had applied to the DTI for project funding for a research project into the use of glass as an aggregate replacement and word had now been received that the Comhairle's bid was on of only nine projects approved out of 250 applications in the whole of the UK. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) progress made on recycling and developments outlined in the Report be noted; (2) the proposed cost per tonne for oil going for re-processing be noted; (3) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take the necessary steps to establish the post of re-cycling plant operator; (4) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take the necessary steps to delete the post of relief site operator and the creation of a new site operator post; and (5) the Acting Director of Environmental Services submit copies of the Report to all Community Councils and advertise the Comhairle's recycling initiatives in community newspapers.
Public Convenience Strategy CH03.07	27*	With reference to item 87 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services detailed progress with the Comhairle's public convenience strategy. The strategy involved the gradual hand over of the public convenience service to community management together with a rationalisation of the services by the closure of some toilets which would be inappropriately sited for the completion of new infastructural developments. The Report further indicated that an expression of interest had been received for the provision of an out of hours toilet service in Stornoway town centre. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to seek expressions of interest from businesses in the Stornoway town centre area, located within or no further then 50 metres from the pedestrian precinct area for the provision of an out of hours toilet service.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding	28	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing the reports outstanding from decisions of Environmental Services Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.