Day: 29 November 2002

UK Business Briefs: spectrometers, environmental lawyer, recycling; and SUDS

In this week’s UK Business Briefs, a new portable spectrometer to investigate past changes in the Earth’s climate; an environmental law firm strengthens its environmental credentials; a recycling group in Scotland adds another company to its membership; and guidance on sustainable urban drainage systems.

Rubber from tyres damages aquatic habitats

Particles of rubber worn off vehicle tyres on roads could be damaging aquatic habitats, killing off the organisms that live in waterways, according to new research in the US.

Japanese electronics firm develops revolutionary plastic recycling technology

Japanese electronics firm Matsushita, best known for its Panasonic brand, has announced that it has developed a method of recycling the plastic casings for electronic equipment.

Deserts threaten to wipe out two-thirds of African agriculture

A UN Convention aims to reduce the amount of land being turned into desert, with a billion dollar fund to finance anti-desertification programmes. If the erosion of land is left unchecked, Africa could lose two-thirds of its arable land.

European business briefs: water partnership, UV treatment and water costs

In this week’s European business briefs, the search for a water partnership, a UV treatment system and two reports on the rising costs of water and outsourcing of water services.

Three-hundred pesticides to be withdrawn

Some 320 pesticides will be withdrawn from the European market in July 2003 as part of the European Commission’s new approach to evaluating active ingredients in plant protection products.

Accession aid failing environmental projects

European aid to Central and Eastern Europe countries is not supporting green, sustainable projects, while some funding is going towards programmes that are damaging the environment, according to a new report. Local authorities are also poorly informed on the procedures and qualifying criteria for funding applications.

OECD calls for clampdown on rogue ship owners

International licensing and compulsory insurance could help banish substandard oil tankers from the seas. The international community needs to strengthen shipping laws and find ways to weed out unscrupulous ship owners, says the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Mercury in fish linked to heart attacks

People who eat fish with a high mercury content run a greater risk of coronary heart disease than previously thought, a European study has found. But scientists add that a fish diet is still healthy, provided the fish has safe levels of mercury.

Pollution registers won’t cover toxins in waste

A meeting to establish an international treaty granting public access to pollution information is foundering. Failure to reach a common agreement will weaken the resulting pollution register and public right-to-know law.

Mono® Muncher® in the Pipeline for United Utilities

A drive to find a more reliable and cost effective solution to safe handling of untreated sewage has led United Utilities to install Mono Pumps' pipeline TR Muncher at its Blackburn wastewater treatment works.

Trailers For Portugal

NEWS RELEASE: The Portuguese market is proving a buoyant one for pipe coil trailers used to transport and dispense the coils of polyethylene pipe used by utility companies. Bath based manufacturer, Steve Vick International Ltd., has recently despatched its thirty-third trailer to Portugal.

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