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31 Jan 2003
A new international law improving the public's right to know about levels of
pollutants and their sources was finalised late yesterday after a final four-day round
of negotiations at the UN in Geneva. The treaty involves countries from Europe,
Central Asia and Canada, but not the United States who dropped out last
year.
Environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who took part in the two-year negotiations welcomed the
agreement but said the "Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers" protocol did not go
far enough. The treaty will be formally adopted at a European Ministerial
meeting in Kyiv in May this year.
While 86 substances are covered by the Protocol, many toxic chemicals and radioactive
substance have not been included, despite being used in large quantities. Nuclear and
petrochemical facilities are not included in the Protocol, and industry which dumps wastes
within its own boundaries will not have to register this waste.
Friends of the Earth pollution researcher Mary Taylor said:
"There are holes in this document, but it does mean that people will
have access to much more information about pollution from local industries than before.
And this is likely to create more pressure to reduce pollution levels. Importantly,
individual countries will be able to go further than the protocol and we
will press for improvements at national and international level."
Delegates found it difficult to reach consensus on a number of issues, including
reporting requirements on greenhouse gases. Hard bargains were struck in a compromise deal
that cleared the way for requiring reporting of greenhouse gases by individual industrial
sites.
Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council in the US
said:
"People have the right to know about the toxic chemicals coming from their
local industrial facilities and this treaty will lay the groundwork for ensuring that
right is met. Hopefully, Canada will lead the way in North America for
facility-specific greenhouse gas reporting."
The treaty requires detailed and public annual reports on a range of pollutants,
including greenhouse gases, some pesticides, toxic metals, hazardous wastes and a limited number
of industrial chemicals.
Industries required to report include power stations, the chemical industry, and waste management facilities. Information will also be available on the destinations of wastes sent to other countries.
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
Media team
