Day: 27 November 1998

Environment Agency stretched to enforce Packaging Regulations

As of the beginning of last month, the Environment Agency is no longer accepting applications from companies to register under the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 for this current year. Businesses that have failed to register face the risk of prosecution by the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Brent Spar dismantling begins

The re-use of the infamous Brent Spar oil storage buoy began in Norway on Wednesday 25 November. The Spar will now be turned into a quay extension at Mekjarvik, near Stavanger.

Leading manufacturer replaces PVC in toys for under-threes

Following last weeks decision by retailers Toys 'R' US to stop selling direct-to-mouth toys containing phthalates, a leading toy manufacturer has announced it will stop using soft PVC in all toys for the under threes.

Sweden proposes plan for EU emissions register

The Swedish EPA has put forward a proposal for the development and content of the European Polluting Emissions Register (EPER).

Pesticide residues found in 40% of European foodstuffs

Pesticide residues were found in an average of 40% of fruit and vegetables tested, according to a recently published report summarising national monitoring programmes across the EU and Norway in 1996. The Maximum Residue Levels were exceeded in 3% of samples.

Schroeder unveils energy tax proposals

German Chancellor Schroeder has presented details of proposed tax increases on petrol, gas, electricity and heating oil.

EU chemicals laws reviewed

The European Commission has adopted the findings of a report challenging the effectiveness of the main EU legal instruments governing industrial chemicals.

China – legal protection for Pearl River

Guandong Province is debating a new law to combat declining water quality in the Pearl River Delta due to increasing domestic and industrial pollution.

Indian court orders closure of copper smelter

The Madras High Court has closed a copper smelter run by Sterlite Industries, after inspectors reported discharge violations and that the Government-granted permit was based on an inadequate EIA, and bending of the rules, reports The Hindu.

Jordan and Syria agree on water sharing

Jordan and Syria have agreed on sharing water from the river yarmouk, as well as plans for monitoring the river's water quality and constructing a large dam near their border, reports CNN.

New Delhi groundwater contaminated

One-third of New Delhi s groundwater is contaminated with nitrates and fluorides, according to a new report by the Central Ground Water Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board.

Japan makes environment loans to China

Japan is to lend 390 billion Yen (approx $3.2Bn) to China, mainly for use in environmental/flood prevention projects.

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