On Monday 25 January 2010 09:11:40 andersonarb wrote:
Could you expand/explain that "unlawful" bit please Andrew? Especially as
half the country seems to be happily spreading woodchip mulch left right
and centre.....
I think all woodchip from virgin forestry or arboricultural arisings are
viewed as a waste. The EA have a position statement on "virgin" biomass that
exempts it from permitting if it is put to certain recognised uses e.g.
pathways, equestrian maneges, animal bedding, mulch, or woodfuel. You may
note this does not cover hedge clippings or rashings. I'm still unclear on
the position about conveying it but if it is as a result of ones own work
then it should still not require a licence to transport it.
If you make biochar from a waste then it remains a waste, there is currently
no exemption or rule for applying this biochar to land. There is some
rationale for this in that there are possible probems with biochar ( not
necessarily the direct health worries from PAHs and tars), mostly to do with
groundwater and surface water problems. One that was told to me was the
possible similarity with fine sand which escapes from building sites, into
the surface water systems and causes damage to fish gills.
OTOH if you pay money for some standing timber and then make charcoal from
it,
it never has been a waste and there seems little to stop anyone from applying
it to their own land until a nuisance or environmental damage is proven,
which I don't think it will be.
BTW the "happily spreading woodchip mulch" might soon come under pressure,
exemption 12 which many held freely to compost up to 1000m3 on a site is now
to be permitted by rules, from April 10th, but only after a grand
registration fee and then 500 quid annual licence!
AJH
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