Following constructive discussions with the WRA, the Environment Agency has extended Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 361 to 31 March 2027.
The RPS allows operators to apply to temporarily exceed their permitted storage levels for waste wood, subject to certain conditions and was previously due to end on 31 July 2026.
Julia Turner, Executive Director of the WRA, said: “We welcome the extension of RPS 361 until March 2027, following constructive discussions between the WRA and the Environment Agency.
“RPS 361 allows operators in England to exceed their permitted storage limits in certain circumstances. The extension was necessary because waste wood volumes remain higher than usual, continuing to put pressure on storage capacity across the sector.
“We encourage any sites anticipating storage challenges to apply for the RPS as early as possible.
“We hope that the Environment Agency, together with regulators in the other three UK nations, will continue to take a proportionate, risk-based and flexible approach to the regulation of waste wood storage during this period.”