NEWS ONLINE 30.05.03
As some of members are having difficulty in receiving News Online in an html format we are experimenting with different ways of sending it. We would appreciate your comments on News Online, its presentation and content as this is your newsletter and we want to please everyone. pauline.faulding@ciwm.co.uk
EU STRATEGY ON PREVENTION AND RECYCLING OF WASTES
The EU has issued a communication for consultation to develop a thematic strategy to address waste prevention and recycling. The strategy aims to introduce targets for waste prevention and provide details of the instruments needed to meet these targets. On recycling issues the consultation covers issues such as material specific targets, use of economic instruments, such as taxes and differential charging and ensuring that legislation does not hinder the development of the recycling industry.
See http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/waste/03301_en.pdf
INCINERATION AND HEALTH REPORT
Epidemiological research undertaken by the University of Newcastle, using data prior to 1993 and tighter emission controls, has stated that there was a "slight increase" in the risk of birth defects for babies whose mothers lived near incinerators. The study in the journal of epidemiology and community health stated that the findings could not be used to infer a causal relationship from the statistical association reported in the study. See http://www.letsrecycle.com/info/waste_management/news.jsp?story=2283
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SEEK HELP IN FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF WISARD
The Agency's WISARD software is a life cycle assessment tool that allows the comparisons of the environmental merits of different waste management options to be made. The Agency are calling for information on new and emerging technologies for the management of waste to enable them to be fairly assessed alongside more traditional options where there is greater data available. For further details about the project contact Bernie.thomas@environment-agency.gov.uk
SEPA ANNOUNCE FEWER PROSECUTIONS, BUT HIGHER FINES
SEPA have released figures for prosecutions for environmental offences in the period 2002-2003 and have announced that fewer prosecutions were made than the previous year, however average fines have increased. 2002-2003 saw 30 successful prosecutions and £152,650 in fines; this is up from the £84,600 worth of fines from 37 offences in 2001-2002.
See http://www.sepa.org.uk/news/releases/2003/pr063.html
