Archived press release

New pollution treaty improves right-to-know

31 January 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.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust