News in brief

Proposals for a new risk-based system for inspecting waste disposal and recycling sites have been welcomed by the industry’s trade body, Environmental Services Association. Objectives of the new system, contained in the consultation paper, OPRA for Waste, include making more effective use of the Environment Agency’s waste inspection resources by targeting inspection on those sites where they are most needed.

A subsidiary of Scottish and Southern Power SEPG (Operations), was ordered to pay £6,900 after an incident in which oil waste and chemicals were narrowly prevented from flowing into the internationally-protected Radipole Lake in Weymouth. Emulsified oil and a degreaser used to clean the turbine blades was found to have leaked from an underground tank used to store the waste prior to off-site disposal and into the Checkerell Stream which flows into Radiopole Lake.

Claude Fussler, former vice president of environmental, health and safety and public affairs for Dow Europe, is joining the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) on secondment for two years as of August 1999. He will be the WBCSD’s director for Stakeholder Relations.

Business Link Surrey, working with the Surrey Chambers of Commerce, has launched SuPERB (Surrey programme for Environmentally Responsible Businesses) to help the county’s SMEs improve their environmental performance and competitiveness. For details contact SuPERB manager Helen Clark on 0345 494949.

A new research and development programme focusing on improving methods and obtaining knowledge for the protection and enhancement of the environment has been announced by the Environment Agency. The EA’s new projects for 1999/2000 address both long-term strategic issues – such as environmental change – and shorter-term operational and policy needs. Most of the projects will be carried out by external contractors and organisations interested in tendering for this work are now being invited to register their interest.

Additional environmental controls have been introduced at the waste management facility at Killamarsh, now operated by Sarp Facilities Management, after the escape of butyl acrylate from a storage container in April. The site will not be allowed to take further drummed waste until new conditions in the waste management licence have been agreed. They require the operator to submit new procedures for when waste is brought on to the site in drums or other mobile containers and then for their subsequent storage once on site.

Proposals to improve the Special Waste Regulations (SWR) and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations have been announced by the DETR following last year’s consultation. The Government intends to proceed with the proposed amendments to the SWRs including covering of radioactive and special wastes; movements of waste; extending the time for completing carrier’s rounds; rejected load; lead acid batteries etc, together with further minor changes to the format of the consignment note. For full details contact Mrs Mirella Covington, DETR tel: 0171 890 5342.

Existing policies on the shipment of waste into and out of the UK will be reviewed by the Government and a paper produced for public consultation in the Autumn 1999. The UK Waste Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste came into effect on 1 June 1996, but since then a number of national and international arrangements have altered the arrangements for transboundary shipments of waste.

Approximately 30% of business energy costs are transport related, says Business in the Environment, who, in association with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), has published its new guide Buying into Greener Transport. This practical guide for procurement managers is intended for the commercial fleet managers who have not yet taken steps to reduce fuel consumption. The guide highlights management questions that procurement professions can ask their suppliers including fleet management companies – questions based on transport performance with cost-saving implications. Copies are available from CIPS bookshop on 01780 756777.