Proposals to develop a plan for waste management in the Forth Valley Area are to be opened up to the waste management industry.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), together with Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils is to hold a waste management industry briefing on 20th June, at the Council Chambers of Stirling Council. The aim is to get the industry involved in the Forth Valley Area Waste Plan, as part of SEPA's National Waste Strategy: Scotland (NWS). The seminar is to be chaired by Councillor Corrie McCord OBE, Leader of Stirling Council and Chairman of the SEPA East Region Board.

Sixty businesses active in the local area have been invited, ranging from small scrap yards to major multinational companies. The purpose is to allow every business the opportunity to comment on and be involved in the production of the plan.

"This is a chance for the industry to have its say' said Dave Gorman, SEPA's Waste Strategy Coordinator for the Forth Valley Area. 'Although the Forth Valley Plan has been started, it is still at an early stage. We want to give industry the chance to raise issues of concern on matters that they think the plan should address. It is important that we get a good initial turnout to ensure that the final plan is realistic and achievable.

"As well as updating industry on the National Waste Strategy and the progress made with the Forth Valley plan to date, the seminar hopes to agree a means by which industry can remain involved. Separate mechanisms need to be developed for the major waste producing companies."

The National Waste Strategy: Scotland was launched by SEPA in December 1999, and provides a framework within which Scotland can reduce the amount of waste which it produces and deal with the waste which has been produced in more sustainable ways.
SEPA proposes to develop the National Waste Strategy: Scotland through a series of local groupings known as Waste Strategy Areas (WSA's). Each WSA will develop an Area Waste Plan which will form part of the NWS and will be compatible with any national targets or objectives.
Copies of the report can be obtained from SEPA Public Relationson 01786 457700, or by e-mailing them on publicrelations@sepa.org.uk