The Wood Protection Association (WPA) has stated that none of the UK’s timber treatment plants will be affected by upcoming Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control legislation (IPPC).
In the last edition of TTJ, an article from Chris Hoggart of Hyder Consulting gave details of the new IPPC rules. These come into effect at the end of August 2006 and will put the onus on businesses to ensure that all environmental emissions are effectively managed. Application for IPPC certificates will be time-consuming and businesses that fail to comply in those industries covered by the new rules could be closed.
But, while Mr Hoggart wrote that the timber treatment sector would be affected, Gordon Ewbank, chairman of the WPA, said that in fact, by the time the legislation comes in to force, there will be no treatment companies operating as Part A(1) processors.
“This [Mr Hoggart’s] review of the IPPC legislation has caused some confusion within the timber treatments sector and the WPA felt it would be helpful to put the record straight,” said Mr Ewbank.
“At present only five of over 600 plants in the UK theoretically fall within the scope as a result of their using a preservative formulation which includes TBT, a prescribed biocide. TBT is not supported through the new Europe-wide approvals regime under the Biocidal Products Directive and will have to be removed from the market by September 2006. It therefore follows that no treatment plants will remain within the scope of IPPC as Part A(1) processors by the due date.”
