Day: 23 June 2000

Diesel regulations an opportunity for sulphur processing industry

As the trend to tighten air quality regulations puts pressure on US oil refiners to remove sulphur from gasoline and diesel, the market for equipment which can convert liquid sulphur into a stable and saleable commodity is growing.

Urgent measures needed if global water poverty and famine to be avoided

Governments must stabilise population growth and improve the efficient use of water if they are to prevent the world's growing population falling victim to water poverty and possibly famine.

Outcome of climate negotiations remains murky after Bonn talks

Delegates at last week's climate talks in Bonn said the meeting had made progress on a number of issues, including emissions reduction mechanisms, compliance and adverse effects. However, environmentalists said that failure to clarify the negotiations' core subject matter could lead to problems during later talks.

RUSSIA: Water clean up for St Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland

A $90 million deal to improve the water supply in St Petersburg and the Leningrad area was signed last week. The project is a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), French company SNF-Floerger and the public company responsible for water treatment for the city, Vodokanal St Petersburg.

ITALY: Environmentalists dispute claims for new PVC recycling plant

The world's first plant for the mechanical recycling of PVC is being built in Ferrera, Italy. The plant will selectively dissolve used PVC electric cable and flexible packages. The opening is scheduled for mid 2001 and the annual output capacity will be 8,500 tons of recycled PVC.

Benzene and carbon monoxide vote smooths way to directive

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has decided to adopt amendments to a proposed directive on benzene and carbon monoxide in ambient air. Environmentalists have welcomed amendments that improve the availability of information about the pollutants, but have warned that one of the amendments could allow Southern European member states to delay implementation of the directive.

UK outstrips European partners in race to meet Kyoto targets

Of five European Union countries reviewed in a newly-released report, only the UK is currently on track to achieve its Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target. Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Spain are all likely to fail to meet their targets based on current measures.

EU Commission welcomes agreement to reduce air pollution

The European Commission has welcomed the EU Environment Ministers' agreement to curb air pollution from power generators and set ceilings for four major air pollutants.

New appointments to sustainable development panel

The drive to promote sustainable development within UK companies has been boosted by the appointment of two business experts to a key Government advisory group.

More homes in South East could lead to water supply and quality problems

Government plans to allow construction of extra new homes and offices in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire could damage the region's environment and water supplies, the Environment Agency has warned.

Government launches online brownfield database

The UK Government has launched a pilot website which contains the locations of selected brownfield sites, plus details of previous land use and planning status. The site will eventually allow subscribers to download landuse data for both urban and rural areas across the UK.

Pollution commission recommends carbon tax to replace climate levy

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is pressing the government to impose a carbon tax on consumers and companies to reduce CO2 pollution, in place of the climate change levy.

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