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Councillors and committees

Agenda item

Contracts Update

Report attached

Minutes:

The Committee received a report on the current position regarding the Residual Waste Treatment Contract and other contracts and activities managed by the Partnership.

 

It was reported that the joint partnership team signed off the 2016/17 reconciliation exercise with SUEZ and STWER and the final invoice is currently being awaited. The latest performance, April – July 2017, shows the total contract waste of 63,762.21 tonnes. Recycling performance from the Waste Transfer Stations (WTS) is 4.6%, which is above the target of 2.1%, however it was noted that this is expected to level out over the winter.  It was also noted that landfill diversion rate continues to be at 100%.

 

A number of service issues have been encountered recently, for example a half-hourly and daily dust breach was reported to the Environment Agency. An investigation was carried out and it was found that the dust readings recorded were inaccurate and should therefore be discounted, the report was withdrawn. In June and July there were blockages due to bottom ash issues which led to minor down time. Work is ongoing to investigate the incidents and ensure chute blockages are avoided.

 

Shutdown periods have been scheduled for line 4; between 27 February to 22 March 2018 and for line 5; between 19 February and 7 March 2018.

 

It was reported that there is an opportunity to refinance the debt associated with the project and STWER has been advised that investigations into the exercise can proceed.

 

A meeting was held with Defra, STWER and Willis Towers Watson insurers to discuss the joint insurance cost report associated with the STWWMP PFI contract. A revised model from the insurers is currently being awaited.

 

In terms of the WTS all three have remained available during the year without any significant issues. New procedures for managing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are working well. A number of service issues have been experienced due to infringements of site rules, for example use of mobile phones, all staff have been formally reminded of site rules and procedures and some have been re-inducted.  A complaint was received regarding litter from service deliveries at Campground, a review of vehicle activity on the Long Bank was carried out and it was found that only the container servicing vehicle from Cowen Road  uses the road and no rubbish was escaping as all vehicles were sheeted. It was noted that observations are continuing to ensure that this remains the case.  There was an inspection of Campground carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) in July following a complaint from a local resident regarding fly activity. A score of 3 was given relating to the content of the site management plan and Suez resubmitted all site management plans including pest control arrangements. A repeat visit was carried out by the EA and no issues or infestations were found.

 

It was reported that targeted recruitment and training is continuing to improve local prosperity across the partnership area. A number of positions were advertised for the EfW facility, however no applications were received from residents in the STWWMP area, it is thought that this is due to the location of the site. Five positions were advertised for Jack Crawford House and Campground and all positions were filled with people from the STWWMP area.

 

Groundwork North East and Cumbria (GNEC) continues to manage community education and engagement through the Visitor and Education Centre. 969 children and young people have now taken part in waste awareness activities between April and August 2017, and 1027 members of local community groups have also been involved in similar activities during the same period.  The Visitor and Education Centre also featured as part of the 2017 Heritage Open Days where tours of the centre could be booked.

 

In terms of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) contracts, these continue to be monitored by the joint partnership team. There has been a reduction in the total amount collected for Gateshead and South Tyneside, however there is an overall increase for Sunderland which was attributed to the introduction of fortnightly refuse collection.  MRF recycling and recovery rates for comingled materials were identified and it was noted that all MRF contracts are due to end on 31 March 2018. The Officer Project Board is currently looking at various options for appropriate arrangements thereafter.

 

Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) contracts have been negotiated so that South Tyneside’s contract will be co-terminus with the Gateshead and Sunderland contract extensions.  This will allow a joint approach between all three authorities to be considered for a new contract commencing on 1 April 2020.

 

It was reported that the green waste composting contracts have continued to operate without significant service issues and material quality remains at a high level.

 

It was suggested that consideration be given to working with the Shipley Young People’s Library garden to link in with the recycling work at the Visitor and Education Centre.

 

RESOLVED    -           That the Joint Executive Committee noted the contents of the

report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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