Archived press release

Guide to Fighting Filthy Factories published

14 August 1998

Last week a report in the Lancet report showed children born near toxic landfill sites were more likely to have birth defects. The report also called for systematic environmental health surveillance of other pollution sources [1]. Friends of the Earth (FOE) today shows how the Government and local councils are failing to control pollution from filthy factories. FOE is publishing ' The Polluting Factory Campaign Guide' [2], to help local people fight back.

The FOE guide provides comprehensive information on how factory pollution is regulated,and how local people can pressurise the regulators to clean up the pollution. Examples include (contacts available, listed below):

• The campaign against the grossly polluting, hazardous waste burning Castle Cement plant in Clitheroe, Lancashire.
  
  
• The fight to stop sulphur dioxide pollution from the huge Drax power station.
  
  
• The campaign against pollution from ICI's massive Runcorn plant in Merseyside.
  
  
• The campaign to clean up Calderdale's polluting small industries.

Recent reports have confirmed that the regulators are not up to the job. The Environment Agency regulates all emissions from larger factories, and emissions to rivers from smaller factories. But lack of resources is leading to delays and reduced inspections of factories [3].One inspector has been quoted as saying that "The rogues in industry will sense that they can take advantage of that."

Many local authorities, responsible for air pollution from smaller factories are doing even worse. According to a Government-funded survey [4], only half routinely inspect factories to check that they have upgraded pollution control. Few local authorities have any pollution monitoring equipment, so they are totally dependant on monitoring by the companies themselves.

Dr Michael Warhurst, Pollution Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, and the author of the campaign guide, said:

"Regulation of filthy factories is failing badly. Friends of the Earth's new campaign guide will help local people to force companies, Councils and Government agencies to clean up their environment. Time and time again, well-directed public pressure has led to environmental improvement. Local people can force companies to stop spewing out pollution into the air and local rivers."

[1] "Risk of congenital anomalies near hazardous waste landfill sites in Europe: the EUROHAZCON study", The Lancet, 8/8/1998, p423-427.

[2] "The Polluting Factory Campaign Guide", ISBN 1 85750 322 8, Published by Friends of the Earth Limited.Available for 15 from Friends of the Earth's publications department on 020 7490 1555, catalogue code L440(Media copies available from the Press Office).

[3] "Agency slips behind on review of IPC authorisations", ENDS Report 281, p5-6

[4] "LAPC survey finds flaws in process upgrades, inspections", ENDS Report 280, p6

[5] Local Contacts (phone numbers removed for web version of press release):

Viv Mountford has been campaigning against pollution from ICI's massive chemical plant in Runcorn, Cheshire,for many years.

Lesley James campaigns against pollution from National Power's Drax power plant; she has written a case study for the guide.

Judy Yacoub has been campaigning against pollution from Castle Cement's works in Clitheroe, Lancashire,and against Castle's burning of hazardous waste at this cement plant. She has written a case study for the guide.

Brian Jackson has been campaigning against pollution from several factories in Calderdale, Yorkshire (and other areas) resulting in substantial improvements in air quality in the area.

- REVIEW COPIES OF THE FOE GUIDE ARE AVAILABLE -

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