Appendix 2: Overview of the EU Environmental Legislation
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It is therefore important for local authorities to understand the requirements of the
Framework Directive, particularly in relation to infrastructure needs, planning and
strategy preparation, and public participation requirements.
INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS
The member states are responsible for the establishment of an integrated and
adequate network of waste disposal and treatment installations. The waste
installations should reflect the best available technology not entailing excessive
costs. The network of installations should serve the purpose of self-sufficiency in
waste disposal, and it should reflect the principles of waste management.
The member states are responsible for carrying out an assessment of existing waste
disposal and treatment installations to determine what additional infrastructure is
needed to establish an integrated and adequate network of waste disposal/treatment
installations.
PLANNING AND STRATEGY PREPARATION
The Directive obliges member states to prepare waste management plans following
the establishment of an integrated waste management strategy, based on the
principles incorporated in the Directive. The Directive calls for strategies and
waste management plans at the national level, and no reference is made to waste
management plans at the regional or local level. However, it is a good practice
that the preparation of municipal or regional waste management plans follows the
philosophy of waste management incorporated in the Directive.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
No requirements for public participation specifically addressed to local authorities
are stipulated in the Directive. The formal requirements for mandatory public
consultation are related mostly to siting procedures for new waste disposal/
treatment facilities. These are, however, ruled by the land use permitting system
and the Environmental Impact Assessment legislation.
In addition, it is a good practice to involve civic Organisations in drawing the
National (and Regional/Local) Waste Management Plans; though the Directive
does not specifically require this.