The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for Radioactive Substances Activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

• what the consultation is about
• which Environment Agency office you can visit to see the application documents on the public register
• when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

• whether to grant or refuse the application
• what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)

The National Waste Programme publishes a range of waste metrics to track progress and ensure that expected programme benefits are being delivered.

The metrics demonstrate:

• the successful diversion of waste away from disposal to the LLW Repository
• the optimal use of key national assets, such as the LLWR site and waste treatment facilities
• the safety and environmental performance of the National Programme.

The following site has exceeded the EU ozone public information threshold of 180 µg/m3:

• Bournemouth: µg/m3 – 16:00 BST

Public Health England advises that some people are more sensitive to ozone than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their ‘reliever’ inhaler to alleviate symptoms.

If affected, people are urged to take sensible precautions. In particular, avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon can reduce individual exposure to ozone.

If the legal threshold for ozone is again breached, further alerts will be issued on our website.

Forecasts, latest measurements and health advice are available on UK Air and via Defra’s freephone helpline (0800 556677). Updates on current and forecast levels of air pollution can also be found on Twitter (@DefraUKAir).

Further information:

• Ground level ozone is not emitted from any man-made sources in any significant quantities. It is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxide and other atmospheric substances close to the ground. The pollutants that cause ground level ozone come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels
• This alert has been triggered by a forecast of a HIGH level of ozone where significant health effects may be noticed by sensitive individuals, and action to avoid or reduce these effects may be needed. The EU Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) requires member states to provide information to the public when this level is reached
• Details of the Air Quality Index which classifies pollution as Low, Moderate, High, or Very High and gives health advice
• Information on the health effects of air pollution from the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP)

The Environment Agency proposes to have new and revised standard rules environmental permits to cover operation of medium combustion plant (MCP) and emission controls on generators.

The standards within the rule sets have already been imposed by the Medium Combustion Plant Directive and Specified Generator Regulations and are being implemented through the rules. They contain additional rules on the objectives that need to be achieved, such as management of the MCP or generator.

We are asking for your views on whether the use of new standard rules are appropriate for the environmental permitting of MCPs and specified generators. We also welcome your views on the use of a single standard permit issued to a specific operator for a number of MCPs at different locations.

We will use your responses to help develop the standard rules sets. We aim to publish the new standard rules sets in July 2018.

The new standard rules permits are an efficient way of regulating for both operators and the Environment Agency. They will also protect the environment from pollution.

Mark Anthony Walsh, 57, of Maidstone Drive, Marton, Middlesbrough, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 2 May, where he pleaded guilty to burning waste at Thorpe Larches in Sedgefield.

He was fined £5,800, ordered to pay £2,000 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

Prosecuting on behalf of the Environment Agency, Simon Crowder told the court that on 5 December 2016, the Environment Agency received information from Durham County Council about possible waste burning taking place on land at Beechgrove at Thorpe Larches in Sedgefield.

The following day two Environment Agency enforcement officers went to the property and spoke to Walsh, who said he had been burning waste packing which he had produced as a result of renovations on his own property. They left information with Walsh about the Environment Agency role and powers but did not see any evidence of burning.

In February 2017, the council contacted the Environment Agency to say they had received further complaints about burning waste at the land.

In March 2017, they received further information about fires at the address and attended the scene on two occasions. During one of the visits they saw no one was present with the fire. The waste pile was estimated to measure 5m by 2.5m and contained partially burnt household items along with a plastic wheelie bin, tin cans, garden waste, waste paper, metal springs and household electrical items.

During interview on 4 May that year Walsh said he only burnt bedding from the pig sty. Paul Whitehill, from the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

The evidence, including images and visits by our enforcement officers, shows Walsh burning waste on his land illegally.

Environmental laws are there to protect the environment and community and Walsh deliberately flouted those laws, putting the environment at risk. I’d encourage people to report waste crime to us so that we can investigate and take any necessary action.