A temporary store for hazardous waste could be created near the all-island incinerator.

Tynwald will this month be asked to endorse expenditure of ?330,000 to build a facility that will hold waste that can't be safely managed on the island.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: 'The Isle of Man is home to thriving aerospace and precision engineering sectors that produce a certain amount of hazardous wastes. The Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility is a key development that will support future economic growth and also minimise any potential impact on people’s health or the environment.’

As well as waste generated by the manufacturing industry, the facility will deal with smaller amounts of hazardous waste produced by laboratories and Noble’s Hospital, and unidentified materials washed up on local beaches.

The Isle of Man doesn't have a holding facility and most hazardous waste is stored by the producer. The new facility will store the waste until enough has built up to make it economically viable to export.

Mr Gawne said: 'The proposed facility will serve the Isle of Man for at least the next 20 years and is part of the Department’s commitment to providing the infrastructure on which to build economic success. It will ensure that the Isle of Man, and in particular the manufacturing sector, can continue to manage its hazardous wastes economically and in accordance with its regulatory obligations.’

It's hoped the facility will be operational by March next year.

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