Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

CENN Daily Digest - August 9, 2005

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • CENN Daily Digest - August 9, 2005

    CENN - August 9, Daily Digest

    Table of Contents:

    1.. Processing of manufacturing water
    2.. The World Conservation Union reports on progress of Natura 2000
    3.. Waste site fined for breaking waste rules
    4.. Environment Agency set to commence River Maintenance works in
    Henley-In-Arden
    5.. Water Dam Put into Usage in Zeitun
    6.. Illegal waste operations targeted in South Gloucestershire
    7.. American forests getting 'loved to death'
    8.. The ecological effects of the Chernobyl disaster




    1. Processing of manufacturing water



    On August 5, 2005 in the office of Bolnisi Public Informational Center
    meeting was held between local NGOs and representatives of local
    government. The main objective of the meeting was the processing of
    manufacturing water. It was pointed out that in Bolnisi there is no
    sewerage system and all the wastes directly spill in river Mashavera.
    NGOs raised a question of creating the project on the sewerage system in
    Bolnisi. The representative of the city government A. Khucishvili
    mentioned that working on this issue was launched at the beginning of
    90th. The city scheme was made but then everything was stopped. The
    local NGOs proposed to find out the old project or demand from the
    government to develop the new project, to make a general plan of the
    city development and to include in this plan the construction of
    sewerage system and cleaning constructions in Bolnisi.





    2. The World Conservation Union reports on progress of Natura
    2000



    Source: The World Conservation Union (IUCN), 2 August 2005



    The World Conservation Union's Programme Office for Central Europe
    released an assessment report entitled "Implementation of Natura 2000 in
    New EU Member States of Central Europe". The main goal of nature
    conservation on a European Union level, is the successful implementation
    of a European Ecological Network - Natura 2000. The report, produced by
    the World Conservation Union, summarises the ecological efforts made in
    the region. More than a year after EU Accession it is still early to
    assess the implementation of the acquis communautaire in all areas, but
    the environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are
    collaborating in order to protect nature with their knowledge, expertise
    and experience on the ground. The text of the report is based upon
    questionnaires sent out to NGOs of eight of the new Central European
    Member States of the EU. It assesses the procedure and methods of Natura
    2000 sites designation, involvement of NGOs and local communities in the
    process, as well as national and transboundary cohesion of the network.
    It furthermore covers the sources of financing Natura 2000 sites and the
    adaptation of national legislation for successful implementation of the
    Birds and Habitats Directives. A number of areas of implementation
    require improvement, whereas for other areas good examples of can be
    identified. The readers of this report are encouraged to use the
    information for further support and development of Natura 2000.



    The report can be downloaded from:

    http://www.iucn-ce.org/documents/natura2000/natura2000_ce.pdf



    For further information, please contact Dorota Metera on
    [email protected]





    3. Waste site fined for breaking waste rules



    Source: Environment Agency, August 5, 2005



    On August 4 Corbuild Limited were fined £5000 after pleading guilty at
    Buxton Magistrates to a charge relating to failing to comply with the
    conditions of its Waste Management Licence.



    The charge was brought by the Environment Agency under Section 33 of the
    Environmental Protection Act 1990. The company was ordered to pay
    £1174.14p costs.



    Speaking after the case, Geoff Craig, an Environment Agency Team Leader
    involved in the investigation, said: 'A Waste Management Licence
    contains strict criteria which must be followed at all times in order to
    protect the environment and reduce the impact operations may have on
    those neighbouring the site. Any failure to meet these conditions is
    irresponsible, anti-social and illegal and we will not hesitate to take
    action when it takes place.'



    For the Environment Agency, Patrick Howell told the court that the
    company was granted a Waste Management Licence in 1991. It covered a
    waste transfer station operating on land at Waterswallows, Fairfield,
    Buxton.



    On 29 September 2004, Environment Agency officers served the company
    with a Notice requiring it to meet conditions of its licence by removing
    all waste from the deposit bay, installing a suitable drainage system
    and erect a litter net around the bay. This work was to be done by 30
    November 2004.



    On 3 December 2004 Environment Agency officers inspected the site and
    found that waste was still in the deposit bay; that a suitable drainage
    system had not been installed; and that a litter tent had not been
    erected.



    In mitigation, Neil Bolton for the company said that they needed to
    remove the waste to rebuild a wall, but their normal tip was closed
    down. They had since spent £30,000 in building works, that they were a
    small company, and that a large fine might well put them out of
    business.





    4. Environment Agency set to commence River Maintenance works in
    Henley-In-Arden



    Source: Environment Agency, August 5, 2005


    The Environment Agency will start river maintenance work during the week
    commencing 15 August 2005 on the River Alne in Henley-in Arden. This
    follows the success of the open day at the Guild Hall on the 21 July
    2005 and the positive public response. Work will continue for a duration
    of approximately three months.



    Our Flood Risk Management team will be undertaking essential river
    maintenance work to re-establish flood protection for at-risk
    properties. The work is essential to maintain the level of flood
    protection to the town. Residents are not likely to be affected by the
    noise coming from machinery, as the majority of the construction work is
    not taking place beside the houses.



    We will be working at various locations between a point just upstream of
    Beaudesert Lane Bridge and down past Blackford Bridge (A4189 Warwick
    Road) where it joins the Ullenhall Brook. Work will start at Blackford
    Bridge and make its way up stream.



    In addition to the proposed maintenance work to improve flood
    protection, several weirs will be modified to allow fish movement along
    the River Alne. A fish pass will be made which involves altering a small
    section of the weir.



    We will also try to provide additional recreational facilities such as
    seats and information boards beside the river so that people can enjoy
    the environment. The maintenance work will improve wildlife habitats
    such as those for the protected White Claw Crayfish species.



    Information and advice on how to prepare for flooding is available form
    Floodline on 0845 988 1188 (Quick Dial Reference Number for
    Henley-In-Arden is 052442, then Press 2 for the River Alne) or on our
    website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk.





    5. WATER DAM PUT INTO USAGE IN ZEITUN



    Source: ARMENPRESS, August 5, 2005



    Within the frameworks of a joint "Community Development Credit Program"
    implemented by the Armenian government and the World Bank water dam was
    constructed in Yerevan

    Nerkin Zeitun borough and put today into usage.



    Head of the "Yerevan Water and Sewage" company Andranik Andreasian
    expressed hope that the water dam constructed within the frameworks of
    the first credit program with the World Bank will serve as a guarantor
    for providing stabile water supply in this borough.



    Director of the Kanaker-Zeitun branch Atom Simonian said the water dam
    will give an opportunity to secure 24-hour water supply for 70 percent
    of the consumers. For the construction of the dam 277 million drams were
    invested.





    6. Illegal waste operations targeted in South Gloucestershire



    Source: Environment Agency, August 8, 2005


    Illegal waste operations in South Gloucestershire are being targeted in
    a new crackdown by the Environment Agency and South Gloucestershire
    Council.



    Environmental crime is proving to be an increasing headache in the area
    for both organisations. The Agency and South Gloucestershire have both
    recorded a sharp increase in the number of unregulated waste transfer
    stations, landfills and dumps in recent years.



    To try and tackle the problem, the Waste Awareness Partnership Project,
    launched last month, will combine education about waste disposal with
    tougher enforcement action against those caught operating illegal waste
    facilities.



    Illegal disposal of waste causes harm to the environment and blights the
    appearance of the beautiful countryside in South Gloucestershire. It
    also takes business from legitimate waste disposal firms.



    Pete Hart for the Environment Agency said: "It is extraordinary how many
    illegal dumps have sprung up in South Gloucestershire, probably due to
    the area's good transport links and the amount of building and
    development going on. We are dedicated to fighting environmental crime
    and this project is an excellent way to take this forward.



    "We welcome the support of our partner organisation South
    Gloucestershire Council, and will need the support of the wider public
    to tackle this problem. We will do all that is necessary to ensure the
    success of the project and target environmental crime in this area."



    Mark Davies, enforcement manager with South Gloucestershire Council,
    said: "Unauthorised waste activities are responsible for some of the
    most serious breaches of planning control in South Gloucestershire. It
    causes harm to the local area and to residents. This council, through
    its powers as Local Planning Authority, is committed to protecting and
    enhancing the environment. This project represents an excellent
    opportunity for waste planning and pollution control authorities to work
    together to share expertise and information. Investigations can be
    carried out and, where necessary, robust enforcement action can be taken
    to remedy breaches urgently."



    The Environment Agency investigates around 5,000 incidents and takes
    around 200 prosecutions for fly-tipping and illegal waste dumping around
    England and Wales every year. The maximum fine in a magistrates court is
    £50,000, although magistrates can refer the case up to the crown court
    where the fine is unlimited.



    People who manage waste are legally obliged to ensure that it is
    disposed of properly. And people who produce waste such as builders,
    landscape gardeners or office fitters are legally obliged to ensure that
    those who take the waste away for them dispose of it in a proper and
    safe way.



    Even a householder having work done on their home has a responsibility
    to ask how the contractor intends to dispose of it and if it's going to
    a regulated site. They should also ask if the person or company who is
    taking it away is a registered carrier and if they can see a copy of
    their registration certificate. If the offer to dispose of waste cheaply
    appears too good to be true, then it probably is.



    Details about local amenity sites and their opening times are available
    from the Environment Agency's helpline on 0845 9333111 or online at:



    www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/wasteman/flytip



    Members of the public can report illegal dumping of waste on a free
    24-hour Environment Agency emergency hotline 0800 80 70 60.



    Media inquiries to:



    Environment Agency press office 01392 442008



    South Gloucestershire Council 01454 864969 (Mark Davies)





    7. American forests getting 'loved to death'



    Source: Eco-Portal, August 8, 2005



    America's national forests are becoming islands of green that are
    increasingly trapped by an expanding sea of new houses, according to a
    new study.



    Suburban growth threatens to cut off natural corridors, or "wild
    highways," that allow plants and animals to move from one wild patch to
    another.



    Isolated forests "cannot function as well for biodiversity," said Volker
    Radeloff, a forestry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



    Radeloff analyzed government census data on housing increases in and
    near all U.S. national forests between 1950 and 2000. He's presenting
    the results today at the 90th annual Ecological Society of America (ESA)
    meeting in Montreal, Canada.



    The number of housing units within national forest boundaries increased
    from 500,000 to 1.5 million, an increase Radeloff largely attributes to
    inholdings, or parcels of forest land owned by private citizens.



    In the Eastern U.S., most land was settled before national forests were
    established in the late 1800s. As a result, private landowners hold up
    to 46 percent of the land within forest administrative boundaries.
    Nationwide, inholders own about 17 percent of all national forest lands,
    Radeloff says.



    As more people want to live near wilderness, Radeloff says, forests may
    be getting "loved to death."





    8. The ecological effects of the Chernobyl disaster



    Source: Ecological Society of America, August 9, 2005



    Nearly 20 years ago Reactor number 4 at Chernobyl exploded, sending
    radiation across a large region of what is now the Ukraine, Belarus, and
    Russia. Some 40 radionucleotides were released into the environment,
    including Strontium 90 (90Sr) and Cesium 137 (137Cs). Yet despite
    radiation levels dangerous to humans, most natural areas in the region
    have rebounded, and by ecological standards, are functioning normally.
    The session, organized by James Morris and Timothy Mousseau (University
    of South Carolina, US) will reveal how the environment has responded --
    from genetic mutation rates, to plant and animal communities, to
    nutrient cycling.



    Sergey Gaschak (International Radioecology Laboratory, Ukraine) will
    open the session with his presentation, "Determinants of levels of 90Sr
    and 137Cs in birds in Chernobyl." Studying 228 birds of 23 different
    species captured in Chernobyl, Gaschak and colleagues from the
    University of South Carolina (US) and University Pierre et Marie Curie
    (France) measured the birds' levels of radioactive strontium and
    radioactive cesium, comparing migrating populations with those that
    remain in the area, as well as examining age, sex, and nesting
    preferences to determine the amounts and types of radiation accumulating
    in the birds. In the presentation, Gaschak will discuss how quantities
    of 90Sr and 137Cs vary with feeding, nesting and migration habits.



    Timothy Mousseau will present "Consequences of radiation for
    reproduction and survival of barn swallows Hirundo rustica from
    Chernobyl." Barn swallows are long-distance migratory birds, which nest
    across Europe, providing researchers with numerous populations to
    sample. Examining swallows from the Chernobyl region and Kanev,
    southeast of Kiev, Mousseau and his colleague, Anders Moller
    (Laboratorie de Parasitologie Evolutive, France), found reproductive
    success was significantly reduced for the Chernobyl-nesting birds.
    Survival rates, number of eggs laid, and overall body condition was
    lower, despite similar nesting and laying dates.



    The radio nucleotides in the area also filter into the soil, and from
    there into plants. Animals that consume these plants, including
    livestock, then take up the radionucleotides. Viktor Dolin (National
    Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine) will discuss a newly described
    process of environmental self-cleaning in the talk, "Biogeochemical
    cycling of radionucleotide: Implications for the human food web." Dolin
    calculated the rate of 137Cs and 90Srs moving through the environment,
    then used the data to determine an ecosystem's ability to "clean" itself
    of excess radiation.



    Oleksander Orlov's (Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute)
    presentation, "The distribution and cycling of 137Cs in forests of the
    Chernobyl exclusion zone," will focus on 137Cs levels in three 50-year
    old Scotch Pine forests. Forest litter, moss, lichens, understory,
    macromycetes, and canopy 137Cs activity measurements will be described.
    Also working in these pine forests, Vadim Skripkin and colleagues from
    the Institute for Environmental Geochemistry, Ukraine and the University
    of South Carolina will report their findings on the distribution of 14C
    in, "The turnover of 14C carbon in forests of the Chernobyl exclusion
    zone."



    The final presentation of the session, Ronald Chesser (Texas Tech
    University, US) will describe the distribution and effects of radiation
    doses that hit wildlife that were living in the area at the time of the
    accident, as well as how the populations recovered in the talk,
    "Temporal trends in radiation doses, survival, and recovery in wildlife
    populations at Chernobyl."



    Organized Oral Session 7: "Ecological effects of the Chernobyl disaster:
    Genes to ecosystems," will take place Monday 8 August 2005, 1:30 - 5:00
    PM in Meeting Room 510 A, Level 5, Palais des congrès de Montréal.



    For more information about this session and other ESA-INTECOL Meeting
    activities, visit: http://www.esa.org/montreal. The theme of the meeting
    is "Ecology at multiple scales," and some 4,000 scientists are expected
    to attend.



    CENN INFO
    Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

    Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04
    Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05
    E-mail: [email protected]
    URL: www.cenn.org
Working...
X