Archived press release

Call For Independent Inquiry Into Control of Polluting Industries After MPs Lash Environment Agency

5 March 1997

Friends of the Earth is calling for an independent inquiry into how the Environment Agency controls pollution from industries covered by Integrated Pollution Control (the cement industry, chemical industry, incinerators, etc) after the Agency was condemned by MPs as"inconsistent" and "inefficient" in its' handling of the cement industry. [1] The publication today of the House of Commons Environment Committee's second report on the cement industry reveals "serious inadequacies" in monitoring of pollution at cement kilns and indicates that the Committee has lost confidence in the abilities of the Environment Agency. Andrew Bennett, chairman of the Committee issued a veiled threat to the Agency when he said "I do not wish it to be necessary for the Environment Committee to carry out a third inquiry into this subject. " [2]

The Environment Committee also criticised the Environment Agency for failing to develop coherent policies and apply them rigorously to the cement industry and castigates both the
Environment Agency and its predecessor ,HMIP, for "lack of foresight".

Because of the Agency's inadequate performance, Friends of the Earth is calling for a complete halt to the burning of wastes in cement kilns until research is carried out to establish the health impacts on local communities of cement kilns burning traditional fuels(such as coal) before any thought of burning toxic wastes can be entertained. [3] This research will require detailed health studies to be carried out.

Mick O'Connell, Pollution Campaigner of Friends of the Earth said:

" People have suffered from the polluting effects of the cement industry while the
official watchdog appears to have been toothless and idle. The Environment Agency has acted more like an industry poodle than a tough public guardian. An independent investigation into the control of the big polluting industries is desperately needed. Meanwhile the cement companies should be told to stop burning toxic wastes."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Friends of the Earth suggest that the investigation should be carried out by the Royal Commission for Environmental Pollution. The enquiry should cover a wide-range of issues,including; how pollution permits are agreed, the monitoring carried out, prosecution records, maintenance of public registers (including the use of commercial confidentiality exemptions) and the involvement of local communities. The Environment Agency should state that it will accept any recommendations as binding.

[2] Environment Committee, Third Report, The Environmental Impact of Cement Manufacture .

Environment Committee - Press Notice - Publication of Report, March 4 1997

[3] The studies must be informed by comprehensive monitoring (continuous where technically feasible ) of all emissions from the kilns and of air quality in surrounding populated areas while kilns are burning coal or coke. The frequency of sampling air and soil for heavy metals and dioxins must be greatly increased.

If the research reveals that more advanced pollution controls will be necessary to minimise emissions then these must be implemented. The Agency must not be deflected by special pleading from the industry concerning costs. In 1995 Blue Circle Cement made £63.5 million operating profit, Rugby Cement made £19 million and in 1996 Castle Cement made a pre-tax profit of £11 million.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust