News from 3 March 2000 on edie

Waste-to-energy on the march

Two major waste-to-energy projects have been unveiled - a dome-shaped structure for Marchwood, Hampshire and, in Surrey, plans for two waste-burning plants.

Bacterial genes may help clean up common industrial solvent

An Ohio University microbiologist has isolated the genes used by a strain of bacteria to metabolise a widely-used industrial solvent which is often found in contaminated land and groundwater.

US undertakes African ecosystem survey

A group of scientists and students has begun a 600 mile journey across southern Africa to explore the links between soil, vegetation and atmospheric emissions and how these affect the functioning of the ecosystems of southern Africa.

Working party sets deadline for ‘greening’ export credit guarantees

A common approach to screening applications for export credit guarantees will be completed "before the end of 2001", according to the Export Credit Working Party of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

IRELAND: UK environmental group takes over EEL

The acquisition of the Irish environmental business EEL by the largest independent environmental consultancy in Europe, RPS, has been approved by RPS' shareholders.

EC takes enforcement action on Environmental Impact Assessment

Germany risks a second time in court for failing to ensure that environmental impact assessments are undertaken for projects specified in an EU directive.

IRELAND: Work on National Spatial Strategy begins

Ireland's Environment and Local Government Ministry has launched a three-week consultation to kick off its work on a National Spatial Strategy.

Brussels: Student-led demonstration focuses on environmental liability

The Hungarian Student Association in Leuven, Belgium (LEMDE) has held a demonstration about the cyanide contamination of the Szamos, Tisza and Danube rivers in front of the Australian Embassy in Brussels.

Netherlands: Court date with EC over nitrates directive

The EC is taking the Netherlands to the European Court over alleged shortcomings of the country's nitrate action plan.

EC releases cost-benefit study of proposed air emission ceilings

The EC has published two independent reports regarding the costs and benefits of the proposed National Emission Ceilings for four air pollutants.

GERMANY: Renewables law to come into force in April

Germany has passed updated legislation to support the renewable energy industry, this time focusing on solar energy. The law guarantees new fixed prices for renewable energy entering Germany's electricity grid.

SWEDEN: Sellafield plans suspended as BNFL CEO resigns

Just days after BNFL CEO John Taylor bowed to pressure and stepped down over the company's poor safety record, Sweden's environment minister has announced a suspension of the country's activities with BNFL's Sellafield reprocessing facility.

Day: 3 March 2000