January, 2012:

Study could derail incinerator projects, experts warn

Jan 13th, 2012

http://www.mrw.co.uk/news/study-could-derail-incinerator-projects-experts-warn/8624768.article

13 Jan 2012

A Government-backed study into the potential health risks posed by incinerators could derail a raft of key projects, experts warned ahead of a crucial ministerial decision on a proposed energy-from-waste plant in Norfolk.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed it was working with scientists to draw up “detailed proposals” for a study into birth outcomes around waste incinerators.

Campaigners against the £500m King’s Lynn power and recycling facility said ministers should wait until such a study was completed before deciding whether to back the proposals.

While this is thought to be unlikely, industry figures said uncertainty about the HPA’s stance could make it harder to get incinerators through planning.

Grant Thornton director Nigel Mattravers said: “It is disappoint-ing. Previous [Government-backed studies] were largely thought to definitively prove there are no serious health problems.

“It may not be helpful for the future if there is a piece of work which campaigners can say ‘we need to wait for this before a decision is taken’.”

Mike Knights from Farmers Campaign, which opposes the Norfolk incinerator, said a number of scientific studies, including one in the well-regarded US National Library of Medicine in July 2010, cited links between health problems and incinerators.

“I think studies like that one in the US are making the HPA feel uncomfortable. The industry seems to think that the Waste Incinerator Directive wiped the slate clean. It doesn’t.”

The HPA, a non-departmental public body, refused to say when a decision would be taken on the study, first floated last May, or how long it would take if it went ahead.

A spokesman said: “The HPA’s position is that well run and regulated modern municipal waste incinerators are not a significant risk to public health.

“However, we recognise that there are real public concerns about this issue, and will take every possible step to reassure people that the position is as we have outlined.”

He added that discussions were ongoing with Imperial College London about “a potential study into birth outcomes around municipal waste incinerators and a detailed proposal for what would be a complex study is being drawn up”.

In 2009, the HPA declared that incinerators posed a significantly low threat to public health (mrw.co.uk/3005813.article).

Veolia was been given the green light to build a controversial £60m energy-from-waste facility in Shropshire, despite the council’s planning committee unanimously rejecting the incinerator’s initial application in 2010.

Burning rubbish not the answer

Jan 13th, 2012

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South China Morning Post

The news from the Civic Exchange think tank on the environment makes for frightening reading (“HK lags behind Beijing on air pollution: lobby”, January 13).

How can the Environmental Protection Department justify itself ? Who will be held accountable for its incompetence? The facts are that these officials continue to hold their highly-paid jobs at our expense, while failing utterly to fulfil stated policies and deliberately misleading the public.

Why are our air quality targets set low? Could it be an arrangement to suit the grand infrastructure schemes that this government is hell-bent upon?

A child can see that the construction of a giant bridge, a third airport runway, a mega-railway – and all the ensuing heavy traffic – will add to the air pollution. Hong Kong’s public will choke while big developers and construction businesses benefit on a huge scale. To compound the folly, the department wants to build a super-incinerator as a way of dealing with Hong Kong’s rubbish.

Burning rubbish is an outdated solution that adds dioxins to the air. We know only too well that we simply cannot afford to add to the city’s toxic load. We also know that dioxins don’t “blow away”, as the department tells us.

Breathable air is a basic citizens’ right. We are being cheated by a government and its vested businesses, who put misguided projects above people’s health. It’s time for a comprehensive policy and planning rethink.

Julia Brown, Lantau

Capital begins hourly updates on air pollution

Jan 13th, 2012

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China Daily

By Zheng Xin (China Daily)

BEIJING – The Chinese capital began releasing hourly air pollution data on Thursday to address growing public concern over air quality.

The Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center will publish readings for the levels of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and PM 10 – particulate matter smaller than 10 micrograms – detected by its 27 air quality monitoring stations.

The data, released hourly on the center’s website and micro blog, “is provided to better serve the residents of the capital”, said Zhao Yue, deputy director of the center.

Residents generally hailed the move, but some said more needs to be done.

“It is undoubtedly a step forward,” said Wang Bao, 27, a physical education teacher at a primary school in northern Beijing’s Changping district.

However, Wang said he cared more about how the government works to curb the pollution.

Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, a non-government organization, said hourly figures help improve the transparency of the environment watchdogs. “The move respects citizens’ right to know.”

Readings for more pollutants will be announced after stricter air quality standards are adopted in the future, Zhao said.

She did not elaborate, but the new readings might include the level of PM 2.5 – particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrograms.

These particles could be comparatively more hazardous to people’s health, causing breathing problems. They are also believed to be the cause of smog.

According to the center, Beijing will set up more than two dozen monitoring stations to detect the density of PM 2.5 before Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 23. That will be ahead of the national schedule of 2016.

Beijing residents have long been dissatisfied with the official air quality figures, saying they fail to reflect how residents feel.

People urged the government to adopt PM 2.5 testing because it insisted that the air was “slightly polluted” – a conclusion based on PM 10 figures – although heavy smog has shrouded Beijing continually since October.

Residents also complained that authorities failed to explain why air quality differs significantly between southern and northern Beijing.

When severe smog grounded more than 100 flights on Tuesday, the highest density of inhalable particles in the southern and central city was between 300 and 560 micrograms a cubic meter, while the figure in the north was between 30 and 80.

The city’s environmental protection bureau said it hasn’t worked out a comparison of the northern and southern part of the city.

But Ma said the northern part is home to many universities and hospitals, and hence is less polluted by industrial waste and vehicular exhaust.

Molecule could help cut pollution

Jan 13th, 2012

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iEAiKZptw5k4oSaOHdxe0E7Msljg?docId=N0950951326384225060A

Molecule could help cut pollution

(UKPA)–19 hours ago

A little-understood molecule in the atmosphere could play an important role in reducing pollution and global warming, scientists believe.

Criegee biradicals were first hypothesised in the 1950s but have only now been isolated and measured. New research shows they act as powerful “clean up” agents, neutralising atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

A by-product of the process is the creation of aerosol droplets that “seed” planet-cooling clouds.

The molecules, known as chemical “intermediates”, should in theory have a significant influence on climate. However, until now they have never been directly observed.

The new work involved watching simple Criegee intermediates react with various atmospheric molecules including nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

Scientists found the reaction rates were faster than expected, leading them to conclude that Criegee biradicals might have a bigger impact than previously thought.

The research is reported in the journal Science. Study leader Dr Carl Percival, from the University of Manchester, said: “We have been able to quantify how fast Criegee radicals react for the first time.

“Our results will have a significant impact on our understanding of the oxidising capacity of the atmosphere and have wide ranging implications for pollution and climate change.”

Co-author Professor Dudley Shallcross, from the University of Bristol, pointed out that chemicals released naturally by plants aided the production of Criegee biradicals.

“Natural ecosystems could be playing a significant role in off-setting global warming,” he said.

Air quality in Hong Kong

Jan 13th, 2012

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http://7thspace.com/headlines/403493/lcq20_air_quality_in_hong_kong.html

LCQ20: Air quality in Hong Kong

Hong Kong (HKSAR) – Following is a question by the Hon Kam Nai-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (January 11):

Question:

An environmental group has conducted a study on Hong Kong’s air quality and Air Quality Objectives (AQOs), pointing out that according to the ranking of cities released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in respect of the value of fine suspended particulates (i.e. particulates of a size smaller than an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns) (PM2.5) in the air, Hong Kong is ranked the 559th (i.e. the bottom eighth) among 566 cities. (this study was done by Clear the Air) In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)whether the existing three roadside monitoring stations and 11 general monitoring stations in Hong Kong had collected data on PM2.5 in each of the past 10 years; if they had, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether such data will be collected continuously in the future;

(b)whether it knows, according to the statistical data of WHO and other international institutions or organisations, how the values of various types of air pollutants (e.g.

PM2.5, respirable suspended particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, etc.) in Hong Kong compare with the relevant values in various cities in the world (e.g. of its ranking among various cities); if it knows, of the details;

(c)given that the current AQOs of Hong Kong do not cover PM2.5, whether the Government will include the value of PM2.5 in the AQOs, and proactively release the relevant data to the public; if it will, of the details and the specific timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and

(d)given that on May 19 and June 8 last year, the Chief Executive and the Secretary for the Environment respectively said at the Chief Executive’s Question and Answer Session and the meeting of this Council that announcements on the new AQOs would be made within 2011 for discussion by the whole community, but so far the Government has not yet put forward the new AQOs, of the reasons for that; of the justifications for the Chief Executive to indicate at the Question and Answer Session that announcements would be made, and the progress and details of updating the AQOs at that time; whether there was any subsequent change regarding the work progress and details so that it could not make the announcements; if so, of the present work progress, details and timetable; whether the Government will require the relevant politically appointed officials to assume political responsibility for failing to put forward the new AQOs within 2011 as the Chief Executive had mentioned?

Reply:

President,

Hong Kong neighbours the rapidly developing Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, where the levels of suspended particulates are generally higher than that in Europe and America.To alleviate the pollution problem of particulate matters, the Government has been working with Guangdong Provincial Government on a regional air quality management plan to reduce emissions of the PRD region and Hong Kong.The measures include retrofitting power plants with emission reduction devices, phasing out the highly polluting industrial facilities in the PRD, tightening the vehicle emission and fuel standards, etc.These efforts are gradually bearing fruit as the regional particulates concentrations have been decreasing in recent years.Between 2005 and 2010, Hong KongÂ¡Â¦s annual fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) concentrations have been reduced by 26%.We will continue to collaborate with the Guangdong Provincial Government on emission reduction measures to further reduce the levels of particulates and other pollutants in Hong Kong.

On the questions raised by the Hon Kam, I would like to reply as follows:

(a)To understand the situation of PM2.5 in Hong Kong, we have started monitoring the pollutant in 1999 at three of the general air monitoring stations at Tap Mun, Tung Chung and Tsuen Wan together with the Central roadside station.The Yuen Long general station was later added in 2005.By the end of 2011, we have completed the installation of PM2.5 samplers in all the other monitoring stations in Hong Kong.We are now testing the samplers and expect that they will be in full operation in the first quarter of this year.

(b)Many cities, particularly those in the developing regions, have yet to monitor PM2.5 on a regular basis.The WHO collates PM10 and PM2.5 data of various cities and provides them on its website.However, the WHO also points out the limitations in comparing these particulate data of different cities because of the differences in the positioning of monitoring stations, measurement methods and quality control requirements on the measurements, etc.

According to a study by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2005, some 60% of the suspended particulates in our air could have come from regions outside Hong Kong (including PRD region and regions outside PRD) on an annual basis, and the contribution of regional background pollution to our particulate concentrations could be even higher at around 70% during the winter. Due to strong influence from regional background pollution, the levels of suspended particulates in Hong Kong are generally higher than cities in Europe and America, but are on a par with cities in the neighbouring regions such as Taipei and Seoul.

(c)The Government has proposed in the public consultation document on Air Quality Objectives Review to introduce a set of new objectives for PM2.5.

After taken into consideration the WHO guidelines and the unique situation of Hong Kong under which particulates concentrations are strongly influenced by regional factors, we propose that Hong Kong should, as a start, adopt WHO’s Interim Target-1 for PM2.5 annual and 24-hour standards, i.e. 35 ug/m3 and 75 ug/m3 respectively, as the PM2.5 objectives.We have also been providing our PM2.5 monitoring results to external parties.

(d)Updating of AQOs is not so much about changing the limit values as implementing a series of related improvement measures so as to attain the ultimate goal of air quality improvement. The Government is endeavoured to implement air quality improvement measures that are generally supported by the community, including tightening from 2015 onwards the emission caps on the power sector by 34% to 50% as compared to those for 2010; subsidising the early replacement of Euro II diesel commercial vehicles; carrying out with franchised bus companies a trial of retrofitting on Euro II and III buses with Selective Catalytic Reduction devices; funding franchised bus companies to try out hybrid buses and electric buses; setting up a $300 million pilot Green Transport Fund; introducing legislation to promote energy efficiency for electrical appliances and buildings; setting up the Kai Tak district cooling system, etc. On the other hand, some improvement measures, such as changing the fuel mix for power generation, rationalisation of bus routes, etc ., which involve complex issues and have far-reaching implications, would require detailed study and comprehensive planning.The Government is now working on the final proposal to update the AQOs for submission to the Legislative Council for deliberation as soon as possible.

Source: HKSAR Government

CE criticised over air quality objectives

Jan 12th, 2012

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South China Morning Post – 12 Jan, 2012

A think tank has criticised Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen for failing to update Hong Kong’s air quality objectives.

The Civic Exchange group said there had been more than 7,000 local deaths related to air pollution during the seven years Tsang has been in charge.

The group’s chief executive, Christine Loh Kung-wai, said China’s recent launch of a consultation on updating its air quality objectives would put pressure on the Hong Kong government, which has yet to update its own 24-year-old aims despite a pledge by Tsang last year to take action.

“The mainland is much more aggressive than Hong Kong in dealing with setting air quality objectives… Hong Kong’s senior officials lack the understanding and courage to set demanding [objectives] and use them,” she said.

The criticism followed last week’s disclosure by the Environmental Protection Department that last year’s roadside air pollution levels were the worst on record.

Civic Exchange’s head of environmental strategy, Mike Kilburn, said the government’s refusal to update standards could affect future infrastructure projects.

“The Environmental Protection Department has delivered some successful initiatives, but a failure to manage nitrogen oxide has undermined these successes and poses new threats to the community.”

High nitrogen oxide concentrations can occur in locations where emissions from ageing diesel buses, trucks, poorly maintained taxis and minibuses gather.

Kilburn said levels of the atmospheric compound are now “so high that any future development generating additional nitrogen oxide emissions, such as the third runway [at Hong Kong International Airport], is unlikely to comply with the standards required and could not legally go ahead”.

A consultation on updating Hong Kong’s air quality objectives ended two years ago The government has said it will introduce the new standards to the Legislative Council as soon as possible. The government also hopes the recently introduced ban on idling engines will help reduce air pollution.

Govt defends air quality programme

Jan 12th, 2012

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RTHK News – 12 Jan 2012

Govt defends air quality programme

The administration has defended itself against criticism over air quality standards by saying it is implementing a series of measures to attain long-term improvement. The policy group Civic Exchange has criticised the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, for failing to update standards.

It said there had been more than 7,000 local deaths related to air pollution since Mr Tsang took office in 2005.

It said China’s recent launch of a consultation to revise its air quality objectives would put pressure on the SAR government.

The group’s head of environmental strategy, Mike Kilburn, said updated standards could delay future infrastructure projects, since current limits were so high that they offered no protection to public health.

In response, the government said that from 2015 onwards it would be tightening the emission caps on the power sector by up to 50 percent.

It was also subsidising the early replacement of older commercial vehicles which run on diesel, and was introducing legislation to promote energy efficiency.

It said it was now working on the final proposal to update the AQOs for submission to the legislative council as soon as possible

Chinese AQO & CE’s PPT

Jan 12th, 2012

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2011年国内十大热词盘点(组图)_新闻中心_新浪网

周生贤主持召开环境保护部常务会议_新闻中心_新浪网

广东省公布PM2.5监测时间表–社会–人民网

DT report card PPT

Capital chokes embarrassing smog news

Jan 12th, 2012

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South china Morning Post – Jan 12, 2012

City muzzles media, but can’t hide the pollution as Beijing’s legislature and political advisers meet

Filthy air in the smog-plagued capital has grabbed unwanted attention as the annual gatherings of Beijing’s top legislature and advisory body take place. The local government is attempting to put a positive spin on the city’s severe pollution problems.

The smog – the worst in three months – hit Beijing on Tuesday morning, coinciding with the opening of this year’s session of the Municipal People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The local authorities were apparently embarrassed. They have issued an order muzzling media coverage of smog-causing pollutants, notably PM2.5, hazardous fine respirable particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns. PM2.5 has been at the centre of the public’s growing frustration over a lack of transparency about the city’s worsening air pollution.

The media ban was revealed yesterday by property tycoons Pan Shiyi, a representative to the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress, and Ren Zhiqiang, a deputy to the municipal People’s Political Consultative Conference. Both often comment on the city’s pollution woes, particularly through their Twitter-like Sina microblogs.

The disturbing ban came just days after Mayor Guo Jinlong promised last week to implement newly revised national air pollution standards and to release PM2.5 data next year. Guo’s pledge was seen as a big concession by local authorities to the public’s widespread calls for access to government data on health-threatening PM2.5 particles.

It was among a flurry of efforts that Beijing has made in the past two weeks to defuse public anger over the prolonged secrecy shrouding fine particles, including unveiling a plan to publish some of its PM2.5 data later this month.

The ban was mocked by mainland internet users yesterday, and cast fresh doubt on the local government’s commitment to tackle severe air pollution problems.

A senior local environmental official openly challenged those pledges this week, questioning the government’s readiness for greater transparency. In an interview with the Shandong-based QiluEvening News published on Monday, Du Shaozhong, spokesman and deputy director of the municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection, insisted that mainland authorities should focus on tackling large particles such as PM10 first.

“It remains too early to discuss how to control PM2.5, as PM10 readings in Beijing last year still exceeded national standards by 20 per cent”, he said. “There is little point in releasing PM2.5 data at the moment, because the public will realise it is way too difficult to tackle the problem.

“It is not a good idea to spend limited financial and human resources on monitoring and curbing PM2.5-related pollution woes.”

His remarks, largely a reiteration of a much criticised earlier attempt he made to justify the municipal government’s sluggish response to widespread public concerns over PM2.5, come despite unsettling recent findings about the health hazards posed by fine particles. Top mainland health experts have warned in state media over the past two months that PM2.5 particles pose a much greater danger than PM10, as the former can be absorbed deep into the bloodstream and cause lung cancer and other deadly diseases.

The controversy over persistent smog in big cities since October has escalated into a national outcry and apparently embarrassed top leaders, with both Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice-Premier Li Keqiang publicly supporting citizens’ demands for greater transparency on PM2.5-related issues.

The mainland’s outdated air pollution standards have been revised by the environment ministry to cover smog-related pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone, and the new standards are expected to be made public by the end of this month, Minister of Environmental Protection Zhou Shengxian said last week, according to the ministry’s website.

Beijing authorities announced a plan for the first time late last year to share some of its PM2.5 data, and they unveiled a controversial research finding that said Beijing’s air quality, as well as the readings for PM2.5, had been improving steadily over the past decade.

However, air pollution experts from The Chinese Academy of Sciences were quoted by state television as saying last month that PM2.5 concentrations in the capital had risen by 4 per cent a year since 1998, citing their own statistics.

jiangtao.shi@scmp.com

Hazardous fine respirable particles have increased.