Issue - items at meetings - Mercury Abatement at Woodvale Crematorium

Report of the Strategic Director: Resources (copy attached).

RESOLVED:

(1)               That the proposal for replacement of old and antiquated plant and the introduction of mercury abatement measures via an OJEU compliant tender process be approved;

(2)               That the Strategic Director of Resources, be granted delegated authority, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services, to approve the purchase and installation of new equipment up to a value of £1.2m procured directly through an OJEU compliant route; and

(3)               That the funding of £1.2m from the council’s Capital Investment Programme for replacement of new cremators and mercury abatement equipment to be funded through a combination of the Mercury Abatement Reserve and borrowing be agreed.

199.1    Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report and stated that in view of the changes in legislation in relation to mercury emissions it was proposed to replace the existing cremators and install compliant mercury abatement plant to enable Woodvale Crematorium to continue to operate effectively.  He noted that the crematorium was operating competitively and provided an excellent service and felt that this investment would be a positive one for the service.

199.2    Councillor G. Theobald noted that it was not compulsory and queried whether other authorities which operated crematoria were intending to follow this approach or may seek to utilise the council’s facility by way of a trading scheme.

199.3    Councillor J. Kitcat stated that he did not believe the legislation intended to see the establishment of trading schemes, although some authorities had indicated that rather than invest in the change they would pay any consequential fines.  He stated that he would ask officers to prepare a briefing note for Councillor Theobald on the matter.

199.4    RESOLVED:

(1)         That the proposal for replacement of old and antiquated plant and the introduction of mercury abatement measures via an OJEU compliant tender process be approved;

(2)         That the Strategic Director of Resources, be granted delegated authority, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services, to approve the purchase and installation of new equipment up to a value of £1.2m procured directly through an OJEU compliant route; and

(3)         That the funding of £1.2m from the council’s Capital Investment Programme for replacement of new cremators and mercury abatement equipment to be funded through a combination of the Mercury Abatement Reserve and borrowing be agreed.