Agenda item

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1    Relevant Background Information

      The Committee is reminded that at its meeting in June 2008 it received a report outlining that new legislation would require that UK based crematoria remove mercury emissions from the flue gases of at least 50% of all their cremations.  This work is to be completed by the end of 2012.  At the meeting the Committee had agreed to remove mercury emissions from 100% of its cremations and recommended that provision be made within the capital programme for this work.

      Members are further reminded that at its meeting in August 2011 it received a report on the economic appraisal commissioned to identify the most economic and effective option.  The EA concluded that the provision of three new cremators represented the most cost effective option.

      Following on from this decision a tender process was initiated.  This process has been completed and the tender has been awarded to Facultatieve Technologies, which is a leading international companies in the design, construction and maintenance of cremators. The Company has a UK Office located in Leeds and representatives from it have met with Belfast City Council staff during the summer to plan the works schedule.

      Members will recall that Environmental legislation from the European Parliament requires that the mercury abatement equipment be installed by 31 December 2012, with a minimum of 50% of all their cremations being abated or arrange for burden sharing with other crematoria.

      Owing to delays in the tender process coupled with the decision to undertake 100% abatement means that the Council will be unable to meet the deadline of 31 December 2012.  However, Officers have been in contact with Castlereagh Borough Council, the compliance authority, to discuss the implementation plan and have reached an agreement on the phasing of the installation.

      The four existing cremators will be replaced by three large cremators. The installation programme will be phased over several months from September 2012 – April 2013 to ensure that at least one cremator will be operational at all times.  Disruption therefore will be kept to a minimum and Facultatieve Technology is aware that any noise nuisance during construction work must be restricted to out of hours to avoid Service times.  Consequently, the installation work will largely take place in the evening and overnight.

2    Key Issues

      The Key issue for the Committee to consider is the potential impact of this work on the Service.  This is highly sensitive and there is a determination to minimise the impact of this necessary work on the public.

      From a technical perspective we are satisfied that we have reached an understanding with the contractor on the issue of installation and that there will be minimal disruption to the public in terms of noise and inconvenience.

      A critical issue will be the capacity at a time of year when there has traditionally been an increase in the number of cremations.  Discussions are currently ongoing with the contractor to review the programme to ensure that we have optimum capacity throughout the installation works.

      Officers will be developing an effective communication plan involving key stakeholders such as Funeral Directors to manage the service delivery during this period.

3    Resource Implications

      Financial

      There are no additional financial implications at this time.

      Human Resources

      There are no additional human resource implications.

      Asset and Other Implications

      The provision of the new cremators will ensure that the Council meets it legislative obligations and will provide a high quality cremation service for the city and the wider region.

 4   Equality and Good Relations Considerations

      There are no equality implications.

5    Recommendations

      The Committee is asked to note the report at this time.”

            A discussion ensued, during which a Member expressed concern that the use of only three cremators would have a detrimental impact on cremation services at the facility.  In addition, several Members expressed concern in relation to the maintenance of the facility.  In response, the Assistant Director pointed out that the Economic Assessment had indicated that the installation of three new cremators would allow for the crematorium to deal with any potential increase in demand and allow for routine maintenance.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting in relation to the possible measures which could be taken to improve the condition of the crematorium building.