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05 Jan 2001
Friends of the Earth learned today that toxic fly ash from Edmonton incinerator in North London has been used to make aggregates for road building in the London borough of Haringey. Incredibly, the mixture of bottom and fly ash from the incinerator has not even been analysed for its dioxin and heavy metal content. Both the Environment Agency and the plant's operator SITA are refusing to disclose data on contaminants.
Last spring scandal erupted over dioxin laden ash from the Byker incinerator in Newcastle being spread on allotments and paths. Locals were told to keep children under two away from the areas and not eat any food produced from the allotments. The Environment Agency failed to uncover the problem for six years, but is now prosecuting Newcastle City Council and the plant operator Contract Heat and Power.
SITA are now applying to expand their incinerator at Edmonton - a decision now resting with Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Stephen Byers.
Sarah Oppenheimer from Friends of the Earth said:
“It's shocking to learn that residents of Haringey are being exposed to dangerous toxins in their roads. Fly ash from incinerators is known to contain cancer causing dioxins and heavy metals. But the ash used hasn't even been properly tested. Once again we see that SITA and the Environment Agency can't be trusted to manage the incineration monsters. Stephen Byers should refuse permission for the Edmonton expansion today, and phase out the existing incinerator. Londoners want better recycling of waste, not cancer-causing ash in their roads”.
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
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