Will the Minister confirm why Natural Resources Wales has not followed the same path as the Environment Agency and allowed for a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS 248) to allow the continued use of carpet fibre in equestrian surfaces whilst further research is undertaken?
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) withdrew their Low Risk Waste Recovery Operation on the use of shredded waste carpet following a review against the regulatory framework to evaluate the environmental risks. In carrying out the review, NRW has taken a precautionary approach in line with the Environmental Principles. The Low Risk Waste Position was withdrawn due to the risk of releasing Persistent Organic Pollutants, microplastics and microfibres into the environment. As such, it does not meet the low risk criteria and in addition, NRW identified concerns about the potential for fraudulent recovery of this waste stream.
The outcome of the review does not prevent Welsh operators from producing this material or its use in equestrian surfacing, however operations do need to be regulated under an Environmental Permit. The requirement for an Environmental Permit allows for controls over its use to prevent such waste causing pollution.