These Regulations partially implement Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council on persistent organic pollutants (recast) (“the EU Regulation”) by amending the Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (“the 2000 Regulations”).
Regulation 2(3)(b) amends regulation 4 of the 2000 Regulations by replacing paragraph (3) with new paragraphs (3A) to (3D). The new paragraphs (3A) and (3B) allow transformers that contain 0.005% by weight, or less, of PCBs or a total volume of 0.05 dm3, or less, of PCBs to be held until the end their useful life. The new paragraphs (3C) and (3D) allow transformers containing more than 0.005%, but no more than 0.05% by weight of PCBs, and a total volume of more than 0.05 dm3 of PCBs to be held until 31 December 2025. They must then be decontaminated or disposed of, as soon as possible.
Regulation 2(3)(d) amends regulation 4 of the 2000 Regulations by replacing paragraph (9) with new paragraphs (9) to (14). The new paragraphs (9) and (10) apply to equipment containing PCBs not covered by paragraphs (2) to (3D), (5) and (11) to (12) which is not contaminated equipment and which is part of other equipment (which is itself also not contaminated equipment). The new paragraphs (11) and (12) apply to equipment containing PCBs not covered by paragraphs (2) to (3D), (5) and (9) to (10) which is “relevant equipment” which is part of other equipment (which is itself also relevant equipment). A definition of “relevant equipment” is inserted.
The remaining provisions make related changes to the 2000 Regulations, in particular to regulation 5 (labelling of contaminated equipment) and regulation 13 (offences and penalties).
A Business Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies can be obtained from the Scottish Government, Environmental Quality Division, Area 3H South, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ, and online at legislation.gov.uk.