Month: December 2000

Soil degradation could accelerate without prompt action

The degradation of soil in Europe will continue, and could even accelerate unless prompt action is taken now, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Sellafield reprocessing plant could re-open

British Nuclear Fuels has cleared a preliminary hurdle following the closure of its fuel reprocessing plant earlier this year. The UK's independent nuclear safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, has said it accepts BNFL's responses to all 15 recommendations made in a key report, which should lead to the plant being able to reopen.

South Africa to prosecute developers for damage to coastal conservation area

Eleven people have been arrested and 25 others have had legal action taken against them in South Africa for building holiday homes in the Transkei Wild Coast conservation area.

Scotland to protect important bird habitats

Scottish Environment Minister Sam Galbraith has announced Special Protection Area status for two significant wild bird habitats.

Clinton to reduce mercury emissions from power plants

The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the outgoing Clinton administration is to legislate to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Up to 1.2 million properties are at risk of inland flooding

According to a new report commissioned by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), between 950,000 and 1.2 million properties in the UK, representing 4% of the building stock, are at risk of inland flooding.

Black cabs go green

London's black cabs are to go 'green' in a trial launched this week in central London by Environment and Transport Minister Lord Whitty.

Commission proposes to cut emissions from small petrol engines

The European Commission has proposed measures to limit emissions of air pollutants from small machinery equipped with petrol engines.

Urgent action needed to prevent another Baia Mare disaster

Inadequate monitoring and acceptance by Romanian authorities of inappropriate management of tailings were the root cause of the Baia Mare mining disaster, according to the findings of an independent report.

Environment Agency prosecutes city council for illegal ash dumping

The Environment Agency has announced that it is to prosecute two organisations for the illegal dumping of toxic incinerator ash.

Banks to fund Czech energy efficiency

A CZK 900 million (£16 million) debt facility arranged by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Commerzbank Praha, in Prague, will finance energy efficiency projects being developed in the Czech Republic.

EU and Ukraine develop partnership on environmental protection

The European Council of Ministers has submitted a report to the European Council outlining progress in the common EU strategy for the Ukraine, which provides the framework for a partnership and co-operation agreement between Europe and one of the key environmental stakeholders in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

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