Day: 20 December 2002

International Business Briefs: software galore, cleaning products and water treatment

In this week’s International Business Briefs, environmentally friendly pet care products; US$21.2 million worth of water and wastewater treatment contracts; a new water softening plant in Michigan; new environmental software for Toyota; federal recognition for stormwater software; and environmental software for a Canadian timber company.

Hunter Maintains Effective Grease Control

Following the successful launch of the Endura grease interceptor last year, Hunter Plastics is increasing its offering further with the addition of new products in the BioPak range of environmentally considerate dosing and maintenance equipment.

Ireland’s dioxins come from house fires, not incinerators

A new report shows that Ireland’s incinerators release little dioxin into the environment. Domestic fires and bonfires continue to be the biggest source of dioxin emissions in the country.

Companies set up electrical goods recycling platform

Four electrical appliance companies have teamed up to launch a European recycling platform for electronic goods.

Awards shortlist for excellence in environmental reporting

HM Prison Service, Abbey National, the Environment Agency and Thames Water have all reached the shortlist for 2002’s environmental reporting award from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Farm nitrate controls start

The rules governing England’s new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), covering 55% of the country have now started. Farmers now have to limit activities such as using nitrogen fertiliser, and spreading organic manure on land that drains into nitrate-polluted waters.

Snails increase metal toxicity of soils

Contaminated soils may contain greater fractions of toxic heavy metals than is commonly estimated, according to a new report. Metals typically classified as inaccessible to organisms because they are tightly bound to soil may be absorbed by snails, thus increasing the fraction of metal that enters the food chain.

Scotland plans to ban untreated blood and guts on land

The Scottish Executive has announced its plans to ban the spreading of untreated organic waste on farmland. The new regulations will require blood and guts to be treated before spreading.

UK Government’s transport policy struggling

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has admitted that the Government cannot meet its targets on congestion. The Government’s latest figures indicate that road congestion could increase by 11-20% by 2010, but at the same time trains are becoming more unreliable.

New directive on public involvement in environmental planning

The European Council and Parliament have agreed on the adoption of an EU directive on public participation in environmental planning.

Letter from the Editor: paddy fields, snails and organic matter spread on land

At the time of year when thoughts are turning to shepherds, lowly stables, donkeys, mangers etc. – as well as turkeys, crackers and new pairs of socks from favourite aunts – edie’s news has gone agricultural; from the rice paddies of China to the intensive feedlots of the US. There are also some interesting innovations which will fill you with a spirit of optimism for the New Year.

Greenhouse gas emissions from trading: the forgotten figures

A new study warns that the impact of trading in goods and services on climate change can be forgotten in calculations of greenhouse gas contributions to global warming.

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