ENVIRONMENTALScientist embraced withintheo important thatcoastalzonemanagementis need topreserve ahighconservation value, make it P dredging, recreationandtourism. According to ing, development pressures, pollution,fisheries, pressures inthecoastalzoneincludingtidalfl trated inFigure1. location andthelimitsofSwansea Bayareillus- jewel inthecrown oftheSouth coastline.Its east, Gower iswhatmany peopleconsiderthe the westandGlamorgan HeritageCoasttothe ment strategy for Wales W high conservation value. InFebruary1999,thefirst resource withalarge proportiondesignatedforits The Introduction Michael PhillipsMIEnvSc coastal zone–acasestudy Conservation issuesinthe attinson (1999),thesepressures,coupledwiththe ales CoastalForum Conferenceidentified k otnet eln p11 continue to decline Carbon dioxide emissions p10 environmental studies Subject benchmarking in p8 Birmingham –andBritain Charting aquieterlifefor ancient Babylon Soil conservationin IN THISISSUE F With thePembrokeshire CoastNationalPark to Journal oftheInstitution dtr Richard Dix Editor: EATURE Welsh coastlineisanimportantnatural Environmental Sciences Established 1971 Vol 9No2 A v erall sustainablede RTICLES G G Assistant Editor:Derek Hall March/April 2000 G ISSN: 09668411 velop- p6 ood- ey netandi a eto h eyatato and attraction very tourism. the of destroy paradox can the it Unrestrained raises which impacts, environmen- tal substantial dynamic that having most factors the argued critical of and two further are tourism They and transport Scotland. Northern Wales, and Cornwall, Ireland and holiday Devon peripheral more in UK’s regions the particu- in been notable has of larly This terms relief, uniqueness. in and course promoted exoticism selectively of been and often hydrology have and fauna microclimate, argued flora, – (1999) factors environmental Boyne natural in and that Hall investment greater tourism. so a on to tourism, return lead of will improvement capital environmental the of part and AONBs.Parks important economicaspect,especiallyforNational tries declines,tourismwillbecomeanincreasingly employment inagricultureandtraditionalindus- 2005 thenumberoftouristswilldouble. As without any subsidies and itispredictedthatby contributes £1.3billiontothe Welsh economy of allfull-timeemployment (Stevens, 1996).It employed intourismandthisrepresents9percent rest oftheUK.In Wales, 95,000peopleare Conserv Outstanding NaturalBeauty(AONB). 1956, itbecamethefirst designated Area of bays, cliffs, dunesystemsandsalt-marshesin trcieeso h aua n ua environ- human and natural the of attractiveness and tourismismoreimportantin P Recreation andTourism seen asessential. resolution ofconflict andstrategic planningare signifi attinson (1999)suggestedthatcoastalrecreation steevrneti o en eaddas regarded being now is environment the As Gower’s coastalenvironment includessandy cant andthepromotionofsustainableuse, ation pressuresarebecomingincreasingly W ales thanthe Figure 1: Location map (Source: Simmons et al (1993))

ment that underpin it. Problems of access and conges- The consequences of tourism on conservation in tion are stimulating ever changing opportunities for land Gower could be significant. The 1996 winter and sum- use conflict and the spoiling of the natural environment. mer populations in Overton and were 472 Conversely, there are those who would argue that a and 4,887 respectively (Source: Acer Environmental, strong local economy, to which tourism could be a 1996). Unlike many other peripheral environments, major contributor, helps secure a healthy natural envi- Gower is easily accessible by car and although a trans- ronment. Certainly the two are fully compatible with port policy is being formulated, the Government will the principle of sustainable development as follows: not want to be seen as removing the personal freedom ‘Sustainable development does not mean having of the motorist. On many occasions all car parks in less economic development: on the contrary, a Gower have been full with more motorists attempting to healthy economy is better able to generate the reach the beaches. Compounding this problem, some resources to meet people’s needs and investment drivers thoughtlessly park on any available piece of land and environmental improvement often go hand in or in any gap in the hedgeline in a manner more befit- hand. Nor does it mean that every aspect of the pre- ting abandonment than parking. sent environment should be preserved at all costs. Unfortunately the irresponsibility of some tourists What it requires is that decisions throughout society does not end with parking. At Oxwich, visitors have fre- are taken with proper regard to their environmental quently destroyed fences for beach barbecues and simi- impact.’ lar incidents have occurred on the Heritage (Sustainable Development: The UK Strategy 1994) Coast. The solution to these problems at present is

Table 1: T99 Values Conditions Type HARSH MODERATE PROTECTED (sunny, (deeper water, (associated with warm clear cool dull suspended or seawater) weather) settled sediment) Coliforms 1 – few hours Hours – days A few days E.coli Hours – 1 day A few days Days – weeks Faecal streptococci 1 – a few days Days – 1 week Weeks Human pathogenic viruses A few days Days – weeks Weeks – months (Source: Fourth Report: Pollution of Beaches. Volume 1. House of Commons Environment Committee 1990)

2 unclear but a transport policy would undoubtedly help. beach status. Welsh Water is also upgrading current articles Feature sewage treatment facilities for the Overton and Port Sewage Eynon areas. England (1999) found no evidence of Until recently, sewage and sewage derived litter had sewage derived litter in a recent beach survey at Pwlldu been a problem for the bathing waters and beaches of Bay which, along with anecdotal evidence of cleaner Gower. Simmons et al (1993) reported that 34 dis- coastal waters, suggests that the new works are having charges between Worms Head and Nash Point, includ- an immediate effect in the coastal zone. ing the Outfall, consisted predominantly of However, in many estuaries and coastal waters, nat- domestic sewage, and 31 of these discharged without ural sources of organic matter from soil have dimin- any form of treatment. It was further reported that the ished because of land-use changes. Sewage is about the results of a litter sampling survey in the waters around only source left and when that goes, wildlife suffers. the White Oyster Ledge area of , included Herein lies the irony as Pearce (1998) stated: 887 items of sewage related litter, 24 per cent of the total ‘The water companies that have the task of keeping sample. In addition, North Gower is exposed to dis- the sea clean are working so hard to provide pristine charges into the Loughor Estuary from both bathing waters for tourists that marine worms are and Llanelli Sewage Treatment Works. This has impli- going hungry and birds are taking off to more nutri- cations for public health as illustrated by Table 1, which tious shores. We need more seaweed on the beach shows the time taken for 99 per cent of microbes to die and more sewage in the water.’ when discharged into controlled waters: There is also concern as to whether massive spend- It can be seen that the sea around Gower represents a ing on keeping sewage out of the sea is causing a moderate to protected environment for these microbes. decline in overall British bird populations. According to In 1996, the Green Seas Initiative was launched aiming Pearce (1998), there is concern that the new works at to achieve up to 50 European Blue Flag beaches in Llanelli has removed a food source for the cockles in Wales including , Port Eynon, , the Burry Inlet. This is one of the world’s most impor- , , and tant habitats for commercial cockles and any decline in , by the Year 2000. To achieve this status, the numbers of this grazing population will have an eco- bathing water must comply with the Guideline value of nomic impact on a traditional Gower industry. the appropriate microbiological parameters of the European Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EC. Amongst Litter other conditions, no industrial or sewage discharges or Along the strandline of a beach, amongst the seaweed gross pollution by sewage related or other litter is and driftwood, various forms of litter including cans, allowed on the beach or intertidal area. Since 1996, new plastic bottles, fishing lines, and wrappers can be state of the art wastewater treatment plants have been observed. As well as its potential danger, it is also aes- brought on line in Swansea and Llanelli. They include thetically displeasing. Although as the number of beach tertiary treatment via Ultra-Violet (UV) light disinfec- users increases, so does the amount of litter such as tion, which is effective against bacteria and viruses and cans, snack food wrappers and cigarette ends, research thus critical to the achievement of European Blue Flag has shown that this is negligible in comparison with

Plate 1: 3 overall quantities of beach litter. In their work on the The strandline however, is a unique habitat, which is Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Simmons and Williams neither terrestrial nor marine. It is home to a variety of (1992) found that plastics, metals and paper numerical- invertebrates which, in turn, support local bird popula- ly made up approximately 75 per cent, 20 per cent and tions. Many local authorities mechanically rake and 5 per cent of the litter and concluded that there was neg- clean their beaches for the benefit of tourists and this ligible seasonal variation. This agreed with results from often results in the entire strandline being ripped away. other study areas in England and Scotland and suggests Strandline detritus and seaweed is seen as vital to keep- that tourism is not a major cause of beach litter. This is ing the sand moist and bound for colonising plants. At further supported by the results of a 1998 beach clean Port Eynon, where the beach is mechanically cleaned, up at Rhossili, which produced 102 black bags of rub- Pearce (1998) reported that a layer of clay is gradually bish. As the beach is generally sparsely populated even being exposed beneath the base of the dunes behind the in the warmest weather, it is reasonable to conclude that beach. Similar findings have been reported in Scotland beach users were not responsible for this litter. and it appears that strandline clearance not only impov- Other inputs of marine litter include ships, industrial erishes wildlife but also contributes to dune erosion. and residential sources via rivers and the municipal The South Wales Evening Post (20/1/99) reported that sewer drainage schemes discussed previously. The the mechanical ploughing and cleaning of Swansea Swansea Bay area is a busy merchant shipping, com- beach was a possible cause of the sand drifts on mercial fishing and pleasure boating region and it is Mumbles and Oystermouth Roads. Unfortunately, it likely that this is a considerable source of litter. England appears that ecological friendliness and cleanliness may (1999) investigated marine litter on the beach in Pwlldu be incompatible as European law requires governments Bay, shown in Plate 1. Public access to the bay is diffi- to protect natural habitats and make beaches clean and cult and surveys were undertaken during the early suitable for humans. Beaches are recreational areas with months of the year to eliminate as much as possible any Gower beaches a showcase. As argued by Simmons et impact from beach goers. Results showed that plastics al (1993), litter is not acceptable and tide washed litter accounted for 88 per cent of the litter composition and is even less so. included a sweet wrapper originating from New South Wales. Erosion As well as the aesthetic problem, plastics are persis- Erosion of popular beaches including Oxwich has been tent in the environment and also pose a threat to giving concern for some years. However, in 1911 the wildlife. According to Laist (1987) marine and terrestri- Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation al mammals, birds, sea turtles, fish and crustaceans are which led to Parliamentary acts in 1913 concluded: particularly susceptible to death or injury from discard- ‘…Beaches are formed from the erosion of land… ed plastic. There is adequate legislation to protect the therefore a certain amount of erosion must take place.’ coastline but its enforcement is ineffective. Although the is predominantly

Plate 2: Knab Rock development and beach formation 4 Carboniferous Limestone and is generally resistant to that the erosion of Penarth beach was unlikely to have articles Feature erosion, there are a number of beaches that overlie rock been caused by dredging activities. platforms and are subject to change. Some beaches are naturally volatile being exposed to the southwest and, as Conclusions such, the worst of the storm surges. There is undoubtedly an increasing awareness by the Natural processes of sediment movement cause ero- general public of environmental issues and recognition sion and accretion along the coastline in a complex and of the finite, frequently fragile and interconnected sometimes unpredictable manner. Bullen (1993) stated nature of coastal and marine ecosystems. The European that the main ebb tidal current carries material down Commission recently announced that almost 95 per cent channel and this is distributed along Gower beaches and of beaches in the EU met minimum quality standards in onto the Helwick Bank. It is estimated that the Severn 1998, with the UK having 88.7 per cent passing these Estuary carries over 30 million tonnes of suspended requirements. Compliance with legislation governing sediment on a spring tide (SES, 1997). Understanding discharges into coastal waters including both the of the sediment transport processes in Swansea Bay and European Bathing Water and the Urban WasteWater its net anticlockwise movement led Moran (1981) to Directives has resulted in this success. Unfortunately, predict the formation of a beach on the southern side of there now appears to be a detrimental effect on the nat- the Knab Rock development in Mumbles (Plate 2). This ural ecosystems in the coastal zone which, whilst only development, the first reinforced earth construction, representing a small proportion of the total sea area, altered the existing coastline profile by protruding into provides the majority of the biological production. the Bay and provided much needed parking facilities for Evidence has shown that oceanic litter is an increas- tourists. ing problem, which cannot be solved simply by beach cleaning. It needs to be stopped at source otherwise it Dredging returns on the next tide. One of the causes is the charge The extraction of sand from the Severn Estuary and made to ships for disposing of their waste at the ports, Bristol Channel has for a century been vital to the con- which is understandable as port authorities themselves struction industry and economy in South Wales and have waste disposal costs. These costs are constantly South West England. The Second Severn Crossing, the increasing with additional landfill taxes. There is there- National Stadium and the Cardiff Bay Development are fore an incentive for ships to discharge their waste into all examples where marine sand has been used. Almost the sea prior to reaching port. A possible solution would 90 per cent of the sand supplied in South Wales comes be for waste to be accepted from the ships free of charge from marine sources (Bellamy, 1999). This is because with the local authority disposing of it without charging the marine sand is of an extremely high quality and the port authority. The benefits would be the savings there is a lack of viable alternatives and environmental- from a reduced volume of litter on the beaches, a reduc- ly acceptable land based deposits. Dredging of the tion in beach cleaning costs and the improved appear- Helwick Bank, off the south-west coast of the Gower ance of the beaches. Peninsula, has caused concern amongst local communi- Tourism indirectly affects many aspects of conserva- ties not only in the direct shelter of the bank in between tion. The cleaning of beaches and coastal waters for Worms Head and Port Eynon Point, but also further human use is affecting wildlife and contributing to ero- afield in Rhossili Bay, Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay. sion. The argument that the proportion of beaches that Links have been hypothesised between the erosion of are mechanically swept for the tourist industry is low in South Wales beaches and the volume of material comparison with the rest of the coastline does not con- dredged. sider the potential implications. It is now recognised Consequently, as a condition of the Crown Estates that coastal defences cause erosion elsewhere while issuing a dredging licence, the dredging company must Vlavianos-Arvanitis (1999) argued that human actions monitor the coastline nearest to Helwick Bank. Three are interfering with environmental properties and cross sections have been established in each of Rhossili, processes in ways that have many unknown implica- Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay with a further section in tions. and surveys have been ongoing at six The construction of car parks and other tourist relat- monthly intervals since early 1993. Wallingford (1996) ed developments using dredged aggregates often found that: the transfer of sand between Helwick Bank involves changes in land use. These conflicts also raise and the Gower beaches is weak; the Helwick Bank is the possibilities of friction between those residents who larger and more stable than the other sandbanks lying depend on tourism and those who do not. Therefore off the South Wales coastline and that despite previous studies with specific approaches and solutions based on dredging, there is no overall loss in volume of the Bank. scientific principles will be required to solve this com- Therefore it is likely that the natural sediment transport plex problem. Hall (1997) argued that environmental processes have compensated for the volume removed. scientists need to become involved in the actual practice Furthermore, it was found that there were only modest of tourism development, especially where conservation changes in beach levels since 1993 and that these were areas are involved. Cipriani et al (1999) showed that a likely to be a result of natural variations in wave condi- beach nourishment project in northern Tuscany, funded tions rather than as a consequence of dredging activi- by the beach owners, was undertaken for short-term ties. These results agree with research undertaken to the financial gain rather than being correctly designed in a east in Cardiff Bay where Phillips (1999) concluded sustainable way, to manage coastal erosion. Therefore,

5 of Knab Rock, Western Swansea Bay. Unpublished it certainly cannot be the sole preserve of those who MSc Thesis, University College of Wales, Swansea. benefit financially. Indeed, in the Mediterranean, all Pattinson, C. (1999). The Coastal Environment – a jewel countries recognise their interdependence on each other, in the crown of Wales. Presentation at the Wales and that a policy adopted by one country impacts on Coastal Forum Conference, 25-26 February, 1999. them all. Their environmental scientists are working Pearce, F. (1998). Washed Up. New Scientist. with the industry towards sustainable tourism. 25 July, 1998. Although the coastline is dynamic and constantly Phillips, M. R. (1999). Recent Changes in Coastal changing, data collection has improved over recent Processes at Penarth Beach, South Wales, UK. years with the production of Shoreline Management (ed) Ozhan, E. Land-Ocean Interactions: Managing Plans. The Welsh coastline is being monitored using air Coastal Ecosystems. Proceedings of the Medcoast- imagery, underwater side-scan sonar, geographic infor- EMECS Joint Conference. Vol. 3 Medcoast, Ankara. mation systems (GIS) and virtual reality, and these pp1511-1523. high-tech methods will accurately record any changes S.E.S. (1997). Severn Estuary – Joint Issues Report. to the coastline. It must be remembered however, that The Severn Estuary Strategy and Environment erosion only becomes a problem when the land is artifi- Agency. pp4, 25. cially valued more than the environment. h Simmons, S. L., Fricker, A., and Williams, A. T. (1993). Offshore Marine Litter in Swansea Bay, References Wales, UK. Coastal Zone ’93. pp2283-2296. Bellamy, A. (1999). Marine aggregate extraction in the Simmons, S. L., and Williams, A. T. (1992). Persistent Severn Estuary. Severn Tidings. S.E.S. p2. marine debris along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Bullen and Partners. (1993). The Bullen Report. UK: a management problem. (eds.) Sterr, H., Coastline Response Study. Worms Head to Penarth Hofstide, J., and Plag, P. Interdisciplinary discussions Head. Vol 1. p14. of coastal research and coastal management issues. Cipriani, L. E., Pelliccia, F. and Pranzini, E. (1999). Peter Lang, Frankfurt. pp240-250. Beach nourishment with nearshore sediments in a South Wales Evening Post. (20/1/99). Beach Clean-Up highly protected coast. (ed) Ozhan, E. Land-Ocean Drifts Warning. p1. Interactions: Managing Coastal Ecosystems. Stevens, T. (1996). Recreation and Tourism. The Way Proceedings of the Medcoast-EMECS Joint Ahead. Conference Report. The Gower Society. p14. Conference. Vol. 3. Medcoast, Ankara. pp1579-90. Vlavianos-Arvanitis, A. (1999). Protecting Water England, C. E. (1999). An Investigation into Marine Resources and the Bio-Environment – A Priority Litter in Pwlldu Bay, Gower. Unpublished undergrad- Policy for the Millenium. Presentation at Opening uate project, Swansea Institute of Higher Education. Session Medcoast –EMECS Joint Conference 9-13 Hall, D. (1997). The tourism debate and environmental November, 1999. scientists. Environmental Scientist, Vol. 6 No. 5. Wallingford, H. R. (1996). Dredging on Helwick Bank – Institution of Environmental Sciences, Lincs. pp1-2. Study of Impacts on the Coastline. Report EX3371. Hall, D. and Boyne, S. (1999). Peripheral environments, pp1-34. tourism and change. Environmental Scientist, Vol. 8 No. 3. Institution of Environmental Sciences, pp1-2. I Michael Phillips can be contacted at Swansea Laist, D. W. (1987). Overview of Biological Effects of Institute of Higher Education, Mount Pleasant Lost and Discarded Plastic Debris in the Marine Campus, Swansea. SA1 6ED; Environment. Mar. Poll. Bull. Vol. 18. (6B). Tel: 44(0)1792 481106; pp319-326. Fax: +44(0)1792 651760; Moran, A. D. (1981). Sediment Transport in the Vicinity E-mail: [email protected]

Soil conservation in the Hammurabic Code

John McManus

Summary part of the Middle East at that time. While it would be rash to claim that the great king The laws of Babylon as set down by Hammurabi near- Hammurabi, the sixth King of the First Dynasty of ly four millennia ago are the earliest codified forms of Babylon, was an active conservationist, translations of legislation available to us today. Translations from the his Code carved into the 2.5m diorite column now cuneiform enable the reader to understand that matters housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, show that agricultural were given high priority within the struc- importance was given to preservation of soils on fields ture of the Code. References to flooding and irrigation in the ‘fertile belt’ of Mesopotamia, the land between demonstrate the importance given to these areas in that the rivers Tigris and Euphrates, over 3750 years ago.

6 Although the people of the area had forsaken their 53 If a man has been slack in maintaining the bank of articles Feature nomadic lifestyle early in the fourth millennium BC, his field and has not maintained his bank and then establishing competing settlements throughout the a breach has occurred in his bank, and so he has let region, it was not until the late third millennium BC that the waters carry away the soil on the water-land, they created writing, principally to record their eco- the man in whose bank the breach has occurred nomic practices. Legislation from the Sumerian period shall replace the corn which he has caused to be introduced by Urukigina (King of Lagash, 2355 BC) lost. provided freedoms and social justice for the citizens. 54 If he is not able to replace the corn, he and his Later organised laws attributed to Ur-Nammu (2100 goods shall be sold and the tenants of the BC), to LipitIshlar (2017 BC) and to Eshnunna (1800 water-land, whose sesame the waters have carried BC) are known to have existed for their local regions. away, shall divide the sum so obtained. Once he had defeated the Assyrians and effectively This is a rather stronger sanction than the Environment welded parts of the former Sumerian and Akkadian Agency currently enjoys, but the idea of compensation empires into a single country, in what is now central payable by a person shown to be responsible is not Iraq, Hammurabi selected the most acceptable customs unknown today. and created from them a mature, organised and inte- 55 If a man has opened his trench for irrigation and grated code of conduct. This code, which was given has been slack and so has let the waters carry away physical form for all to see as a feature monument in the soil on his neighbour’s field, he shall pay corn Babylon, is the earliest known statement of the law to corresponding to the amount of the crop which his have survived in writing. neighbour has raised. Set down in cuneiform script and using the Akkadian 56 If a man has released the waters and so has let the language, the Hammurabic Code has an extended pre- waters carry away the works on his neighbour’s amble stating the importance of the king himself and of field he shall pay 10 ‘gur’ of corn for every ‘but’ of his subservience to a number of gods, principally to the land. sun-god Shamash. It also acknowledges the significant In other words, by all means irrigate your land, but do it role of Adad, who in the epilogue, is identified as ‘the carefully. lord of overflowing wealth, the controller of the sluices The three extracts presented, from the translation by of heaven and earth’ who among many others is called Mack (1979), reflect the importance of attempting to upon to move against any opponent to the code, ‘deprive preserve the good quality soils on which the communi- him of the rains from heaven and the flood-waters from ties relied for their sustenance. Irresponsible inactivity the source, may he bring his land to ruin by famine and leading to the loss of even part of this material was con- hunger, may he thunder in rage against his city and turn sidered a serious lapse on the part of the perpetrator. his land into a heap left by the flood.’ They also underline the significance of irrigation used The main part of the text is devoted to inter-relation- by the farming community nearly 40 centuries ago, the ships between people, punishments for murder, theft recognition that good ‘agricultural engineering’ practice and adultery, commercial dealings and the price of var- in maintaining the irrigation systems in good working ious commodities. In the 30 sections devoted to agricul- order was important. However the Code also noted that tural practice there are seven of relevance: natural river floods do occur and cause problems for 45 If a man has given his field for rent to a cultivator even the best farmers in the flood plains of rivers. and further receives the rent for his field, and Adad However, there was no attempt to consider that the loss- afterwards inundates it or a flood has then carried es should fall on any other than those directly involved away the soil, the loss shall be that of the cultivator. in farming the sites concerned. There was no Tigris 46 If he does not receive the rent for his field, whether Insurance Company, no Euphrates Co-operative move- he has given the field in return for a half or a third ment, no Mesopotamian Mutual Fund, and certainly no share of the crop, the cultivator and owner of the central Babylon Government subsidy to assist the pri- field shall divide the corn which shall be raised on mary producers, who were presumed to have done suf- the field in agreed proportion. ficiently well during good years to cover their losses 47 If the cultivator, because he has not recovered his during poor seasons. costs in the foregoing year, states that he will again Was Hammurabi a conservationist? Most certainly cultivate the field, the owner of the field shall not he was, for the need to preserve the soils for agriculture refuse; his cultivator shall cultivate his field and at was seen to have very high priority for the existence and the harvest shall take corn according to his con- survival of the community. However, he was not against tract. progress, as he recognised the importance of the devel- Here, it is recognised that accidents happen and that oped irrigation systems which supported the agriculture natural events may intervene in the affairs of man to the of the area. h extent that nobody can be blamed. On this account the I Mack, R.E., 1979; The Code of Hammurabi. cultivator would have been unwise to pay in advance, Republic of Iraq Ministry of Culture and Information, for the law leaned in his favour. There is also an impli- State Organisation of Antiquities and Heritage, cation here that the newly deposited sediments carried Baghdad. 47pp onto the fields were not seen as being as beneficial to I John McManus can be contacted at the School fertility as those deposited by the Nile floods at much of Geography and Geosciences, University of the same period in time. St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST.

7 E NVIRONMENTAL N EWS Charting a quieter life for Britain

As many as 12 million people in this strengthen legislation and controls and Local authorities have had country suffer from ‘unacceptable’ lev- help local authorities combat noise were powers to deal with noise since els of transport and industrial noise, continually being sought and that the the 19th century. Since the Environment Minister Michael Meacher forthcoming Urban White Paper would Wilson Report in 1963, said when he welcomed the first noise provide an opportunity to focus on what map of a UK city. could be done to improve the quality of legislation to protect the local Birmingham City Council has devel- life in urban areas. environment and controls to oped state-of-the-art Sound Immission The Green Paper on Future European reduce the emissions from Contour Maps (SICMs) – colour coded Noise Policy in 1996 showed around 20 sources of noise have been put maps of combined road, rail and aircraft per cent of the population – 12 million in place. noise – of the city. The noise maps have people in the UK – are exposed to ambi- A National Noise Attitudes implications for local authorities for ent noise at levels which scientists and Survey in 1991 (currently being planning and transport and have been health experts consider unacceptable – updated) also identified that developed ahead of a potential EU where most people become annoyed, 28 per cent objected to noise Directive. sleep is disturbed and adverse health from road traffic and 22 per cent Speaking at Action Against Noise – effects are feared. to noise from neighbours. The Birmingham Noise Maps at the The Birmingham event was the first It found that road traffic noise National Exhibition Centre in of five seminars to environmental was audible outside more than Birmingham, Mr Meacher said the health, planning and acoustic profes- 90 per cent of homes. National Noise Attitudes Survey sionals around the UK, looking at the Measures already being showed that one in three people consid- Birmingham Noise Maps and implica- undertaken to reduce noise at ered environmental noise spoiled their tions for the UK in the future. source and mitigate its effects home life to some extent and 1 per cent John Hinton, architect of the include: said their home life was totally spoiled Birmingham Noise Maps and co-chair ROAD by noise. of the EC Working Group on Noise • maximum noise limits from ‘These are genuine concerns which Mapping, said: engines and exhausts we take very seriously and we need to ‘This is just the first step in an exer- • working to implement EU take action to avoid increases in noise cise. The next step is to put this noise standard to limit tyre noise from transport and industry, which we mapping information into a geographi- • quieter road surfaces call ambient noise, and wherever possi- cal information system and determine AIR ble we must find ways to reduce existing the number of people in Birmingham • developing quieter aircraft noise levels to minimise the disturbance who are living in houses exposed to var- • regulation and control of to people’s lives. ious noise levels. Then we will be able aircraft operation near airports ‘Therefore, I enthusiastically wel- to develop a noise reduction and con- RAILWAYS come the results of this two-year, innov- trolled action plan to reduce this expo- • Working with the EC on ative project which charts the way for sure.’ developing noise standards producing a national noise map. The The five seminars were held during for new freight wagons and Birmingham Noise Maps can also be February and March in Birmingham, high speed intercity trains used as a blueprint for other cities to London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. • Voluntary agreement reached model their noise and tackle social, eco- I The Production of Noise Maps of the to reduce noise from freight nomic and health problems caused by City of Birmingham is published by the train wheels throughout unacceptable levels of noise.’ DETR at £17.00 and is also available at Europe Mr Meacher added that ways to www.environment.detr.gov.uk/noise. Sheffield gets regeneration company

Sheffield’s efforts to rejuvenate its city the widely-acclaimed Urban Task Force be charged with developing a vibrant centre have been boosted by the news report published last year. The URCs and attractive city centre for Sheffield – that it is to get the country’s third pilot were the first of the recommendations to a place where people want to live and urban regeneration company (URC) to be put into practice and aim to provide a work. The centre was hit hard by the fall co-ordinate its regeneration pro- focus and overall plan for regeneration in the steel industry and other major grammes. activity in their areas. employers, but the city has worked hard The city joins Liverpool and East Announcing the Sheffield URC, to turn this decline around. The Manchester in the trial scheme, which Hilary Armstrong, the Regeneration Supertram and flagship developments was one of the key recommendations of Minister, said: ‘This new company will like Heart of the City have brought more

8 interest into the centre and the private quality of life in the city centres and cre- the quality of life in rural areas. sector is coming back. ate an urban renaissance.’ The Sheffield URC is made up of a ‘These improvements need to be The Government is pushing forward partnership of Sheffield City Council, encouraged and I believe an urban with its programme of urban regenera- English Partnerships and Yorkshire regeneration company will provide the tion initiatives in the lead up to the Forward, each of which has contributed ideal opportunity to make sure this hap- Urban White Paper, to be published next £250,000 for setting up and running it pens. This is the third – and final – pilot summer. This will run in tandem with for a year. The company includes nine scheme. We will be watching closely to the Rural White Paper, as efforts to board members, with Barclays Bank see how well these companies can pull bring people into city centres are direct- chairman Sir Peter Middleton as chair together regeneration, housing and ly linked with the aim of reducing pres- and Yorkshire Bank chairman Sir Hugh transport programmes to improve the sure on the countryside and improving Sykes as deputy chair. New guidance on water recycling

Recycling ‘grey’ water – re-using sustainable. The Government welcomes ance doesn’t just concern public health bathwater, dishwater and other water for this sensible guide for those wanting to – one useful tip is that gardeners are non-drinking purposes, such as toilet- protect our planet, but not in a way that warned not to use ‘grey’ water to water flushing or garden-watering – will be damages their health. plants which only thrive in acidic soil. easier, thanks to new guidance issued by ‘More and more people are keen to The Water Regulations Advisory the water industry, according to conserve water and to put the water they Committee’s remit is to advise the Environment Minister, Chris Mullin. have already used, such as bath or dish- Secretary of State for the Environment, The Water Regulations Advisory water, to another use. Some people want Transport and the Regions on the tech- Committee (WRAC) has recommended to go one step further and install sys- nical requirements for plumbing instal- new guidance on water recycling sys- tems to reclaim used water. However, lations and fittings to be included in tems to the Government. This guidance they may have questions on what is the regulations made under section 74 of the has been prepared by the Water best and safest way to go about this. Water Industry Act 1991. The chair of Regulations Advisory Scheme and con- Conserving and recycling water is a the Committee is Professor John tains useful information on how to great idea – you’ll probably save money Swaffield of Heriot-Watt University. install, modify and maintain these sys- too – but people need to be sure that The Water Regulations Advisory tems so that they don’t contaminate their water recycling system doesn’t Scheme consists of representatives of drinking water. contaminate drinking water supplies. the water companies and ensures consis- ‘One of the lessons learned in the last This new guidance will help people to tency in the enforcement and implemen- century is that we must not squander our “do their bit” safely.’ tation of the Water Supply (Water natural resources, but use them wisely This information will be useful to Fittings) Regulations 1999 which are and with care,’ Mr Mullin said. ‘Our manufacturers of such systems, to made under section 74 of the Water impact on the environment has to be installers and to the public. The guid- Industry Act 1991. Proposals unveiled to cut fuel bills and greenhouse gas emissions

Government proposals for new energy for UK consumers every year. It will fort, benefiting year after year,’ Lord efficiency measures to help low-income also cut greenhouse emissions by an Whitty said. ‘Better-off householders consumers will also tackle climate extra 750,000 tonnes of carbon a year. should benefit by around £7 a year. change, Energy Efficiency Minister The Government’s draft Climate ‘These savings are on top of the sav- Lord Whitty has announced. Change Programme integrates environ- ings of up to £50 a year that Ofgem Energy Efficiency Standards of mental, social and economic concerns, Regulator Callum McCarthy expects to Performance (EESOPs) require the elec- with measures that Lord Whitty says come from the strong regulatory mea- tricity and gas companies to encourage will be good for the environment, for the sures that the Government and he have and help their domestic customers save economy and for people. Energy effi- put in place. energy. ciency is a key component, saving ‘The Government’s discussions with The new Government-set EESOP householders money, providing warmer, the energy industry, consumer and envi- (EESOP 4) will start in 2002, taking healthier homes, generating jobs and ronmental groups and others have con- over from and expanding the present training opportunities – as well as cut- firmed that EESOPs can continue to Regulator-set scheme. It will continue to ting greenhouse emissions. work just as effectively within the new give particular help to low-income con- ‘We estimate that priority households framework for energy being put in place sumers and contribute to the will benefit by around £22 on average a by the Utilities Bill. And it is clear that Government’s attack on fuel poverty, year from EESOP 4 programmes by the energy industry wants to be engaged generating a total saving of £275 million 2005, in lower bills or increased com- in the challenge of climate change.’

9 E NVIRONMENTAL E DUCATION

This section of the Journal is in environmental education. response to the growth of news, information and activities which Readers are invited to send articles underpin the Education Committee of and letters to: the IES. I Derek Blair, School of the Environment, University of Special prominence is given to Sunderland. Benedict Building, student activities and projects, Sunderland SR2 7BW. national and international initiatives, I Tel: 0191 515 2737. campus developments and research I Fax: 0191 515 2741. in order to capture the diversity, I E-mail: wealth and vitality of modern [email protected] QAA subject benchmarking statement on environmental studies: the IES response

The consultation period for narity and inter-disciplinarity of their The panel’s mapping of the composi- the QAA statement on approaches; the range of spatial and tion of ES3 territory helped to describe temporal scales that they cover; and the the diversity and, what some perceive, benchmarking for the Earth development of graduates capable of confusion in the environmental sci- Science, Environmental using their powers of observation, ences’ field. A Venn diagram creatively Sciences and Studies area analysis and imagination to make deci- and effectively helped to portray the sions in the light of uncertainty.’ academic boundaries and internal rela- is now over. The IES was ES3 has a wide remit, ranging from tionships in the ES3 field in which invited to comment on the the scientific study of physical charac- Geology was also represented. Over 75 panel’s document. The fol- teristics and environmental systems of award titles are listed within the panel’s the earth to the social and political remit, but only half of which have envi- lowing points are taken issues of human relationships with the ronmental in their title. These range from its official response to environment, explicitly in the context of from Applied Earth Science to Water the QAA, which was sub- sustainability. The IES considers that Science and include minority spe- these are fundamental to modern profes- cialisms such as Planetary Science, mitted in March 2000. sional practice in the environmental sec- Fossils and Evolution and Surveying, tor. reflecting the confusing range within the The Benchmarking Statement is seen by The panel has wisely not attempted so-called environmental field. The fur- the IES as an important document in the to explicitly define the core curriculum ther difficulty in distinguishing the articulation and definition of the inter- of ES3 but has expressly identified the Environmental Sciences/Studies divide disciplinary area of Environmental knowledge and graduate skills, learning is apparent especially when other Sciences which became noted in the and teaching methods, assessment awards at the interface with ES3 (anoth- 1990s for its breadth, proliferation and process and performance levels com- er 30 in number) have been included. relevance. The IES’s field of profession- mon to each of three constituent parts: The IES in its accreditation process al interest and concern is substantially in earth sciences, environmental sciences interrogates and places high value on the academic area the Panel described as and environmental studies, the science content of environmental ES3 but also goes beyond into other aca- The outline subject knowledge state- courses within a culture of interdiscipli- demic subject areas such as Geography, ments of these components of ES3 narity and context of sustainability. Biology, Built Environment. The fol- recognise that each undergraduate These aspects have been addressed rea- lowing comments, however, relate to award will have its own characteristics sonably by the panel. only ES3. with a detailed rationale for the content Finally, the IES is pleased that the ES3 is characterised in the introduc- and organisation outlined in its respec- draft statement stressed the relevance tion of the document by ‘a focus on tive specification. The IES welcomes and vital importance of specific skills Earth systems in order to learn from the the flexibility and diversity this encour- such as fieldwork, laboratory work, IT, past, understand the present and influ- ages in the market place and believes it and of key graduate skills which are ence the future; an emphasis on field accords with professional practice vital for careers in the environmental based investigation, the multi-discipli- needs. sectors. An attempt has been made to

10 relate performance levels to learning are identified. Benchmarking Statement for ES3. It is outcomes through appropriate learning I ‘Threshold’: currently reviewing and relating the strategies. the minimum performance required benchmarking principles to its own To achieve a given level of perfor- to gain an honours degree. course accreditation activities. The IES, mance, it is proposed that students I ‘Typical’: in its role as a professional body should demonstrate this achievement the performance expected of addressing the multi- and inter-discipli- across six categories of performance. students at the lower/upper second nary area of environmental science/ intellectual, practical/applied, communi- class boundary. studies in the context of sustainability, cation, numeracy/C&IT, interpersonal/ I ‘Excellent’: believes important progress is being teamwork, self-management/profession- the performance expected of first achieved. al development. class honours students. For each, three levels of performance In summary, the IES welcomes the Derek Blair

E NVIRONMENTAL I NFORMATION Latest estimates show continuing decline in carbon dioxide emissions

Emissions of carbon dioxide, the main Emissions on a and 60 per cent by 2003. Compared 1 ‘greenhouse gas’, fell by 7 ⁄2 per cent in UNECE/CORINAIR basis with the original 1980 baseline of 3,883 the UK between 1990 and 1998, accord- thousand tonnes in the Directive, emis- ing to new estimates published by the Greenhouse gas emissions sions fell by 69 per cent between 1980 DETR. Total carbon dioxide (CO2) emis- and 1998. 1 The Department has also published a sions fell by 6 ⁄2 per cent between 1990 Particulate (PM10) emissions fell provisional 1999 estimate of carbon and 1998, mainly because of greater use by 41 per cent between 1990 and 1998. 1 dioxide emissions, showing a ⁄2 per cent of gas and reduced use of coal in elec- Black smoke emissions fell by 42 reduction compared with 1998. tricity generation and increased use of per cent between 1990 and 1998. Trends Other key points in the new estimates nuclear-generated electricity. by main sources are similar to those for are: Emissions from road transport rose particulates. by 6 per cent between 1990 and 1998. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions Greenhouse gas Methane (CH4) emissions fell by 28 fell by 31 per cent between 1990 and emissions per cent between 1990 and 1998. 1998. I Emissions of the ‘basket’ of six Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions fell Non-methane volatile organic com- greenhouse gases, weighted by glob- by 15 per cent between 1990 and 1998. pounds (VOCs) fell by 26 per cent 1 al warming potential, fell by 8 ⁄2 per between 1988 and 1998 compared with cent between 1990 and 1998. To meet Air emissions the UNECE VOC protocol target of a 30 its commitment to the Kyoto Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions per cent reduction by 1999 on 1988 lev- Protocol, the UK has agreed to fell by 37 per cent between 1990 and els. 1 reduce emissions by 12 ⁄2 per cent rel- 1998. Benzene emissions fell by 39 per ative to the 1990 level over the period LCP emissions fell by 61 per cent cent between 1990 and 1998. 2008-2012. between 1980 and 1998 compared with 1,3-butadiene emissions fell by 46 I Emissions of carbon dioxide, the the LCP reduction target of a 30 per cent per cent between 1990 and 1998. main greenhouse gas, fell by 7 per reduction by 1998. Compared with the Ammonia emissions fell by 4 per cent between 1990 and 1998. The original baseline of 1,016 thousand cent between 1990 and 1998. UK aims to move beyond the Kyoto tonnes in the Directive, emissions fell Hydrogen chloride emissions fell by target towards its goal of reducing by 64 per cent between 1980 and 1998. 67 per cent between 1990 and 1998. emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions Heavy metal emissions fell between per cent below 1990 levels by 2010. fell by 57 per cent between 1990 and 1990 and 1998 as follows: I 1999 emissions of carbon dioxide are 1998. They fell by 67 per cent between Metal Reduction (%) 1 provisionally estimated at 155 ⁄2 mil- 1980 and 1998 compared with the Lead 65 1 lion tonnes, about ⁄2 per cent lower UNECE Second Sulphur Protocol tar- Vanadium 50 1 than in 1998 and 7 ⁄2 per cent lower gets of a 50 per cent reduction by the Zinc 32 than in 1990. year 2000, 70 per cent by 2005, and 80 Nickel 49 per cent by 2010. Selenium 35 Air emissions Emissions from Large Combustion Arsenic 46 I Emissions of all the main air pollu- Plants (LCPs) fell by 65 per cent Copper 55 tants, apart from ammonia and sele- between 1980 and 1998 compared with Chromium 53 nium, maintained a downward trend the EC LCP Directive target of a 40 per Mercury 61 and fell between 1997 and 1998. cent reduction on 1980 levels by 1998 Cadmium 50

11 Environment minister challenges local authorities and industry: Help clean up Britain

Guidance on cleaning up Britain’s his- procedures set out in the guidance challenge, and asking them to inform toric legacy of contaminated land has will help authorities to demonstrate me when they have a strategy in place.’ been launched by Environment Minister that they are doing the right things: The new contaminated land regime Michael Meacher. reassuring local communities that came into force in England on 1 April He challenged local authorities and they are finding problem sites, and 2000. industry to do their bit to make the explaining to business why they It provides an improved system for clean-up a success and he is writing to might have to pay for remediation on the identification and remediation of Chairmen of major companies to lay those sites; contaminated land, where the contami- down the challenge. I integration – the new regime enables nation is causing unacceptable risk to The new regime sets out a modern, all of the different problems on a site human health or the wider environment. scientifically-based system. Local to be tackled together; this used to The extent of any risk will be assessed authorities will have a duty to inspect require separate action under differ- in the context of the current use and cir- their areas to find contaminated land and ent regulatory regimes; cumstances of the land. then ensure that it is decontaminated. I consistency – the detailed rules will Under the new regime every compa- The regime sets out what remediation increase the consistency of approach ny which may have any responsibility standards should be applied, and who taken by different local authorities. for contaminated land problems should should pay. The Environment Agency I better tools – the new regime pro- actively draw up its own strategy for has a supporting role, regulating some vides a more effective set of tools for finding those sites and cleaning them categories of site, and providing techni- regulating contaminated land. Local up. Each company strategy should do cal advice and support to local authori- authorities and the Environment the following four things: ties. Agency will be better able to force I put a programme in place to investi- Extra funding for local authorities polluters to pay for remediation. And gate its own history, to identify the and the Environment Agency to support businesses will be better able to know problem sites for which it is responsi- implementation of Part IIA was what they need to do to make their ble; announced in July 1998. £50 million of own sites safe, and thereby avoid reg- I make a clear commitment to meeting extra provision over three years was ulatory control. its responsibilities for cleaning-up given through the Comprehensive Local authorities will be challenged those sites; Spending Review. This was in addition to carry out their new roles diligently I provide the necessary funding to to the already-planned £45 million cap- and effectively. The Government has make sure that this can happen; and ital programme for site investigation and already announced significant addition- I make these commitments public. remediation. al funding for local authorities, and now The statutory guidance, which has Michael Meacher has issued statuto- wants to see that funding used to sup- previously been the subject of extensive ry guidance to local authorities and the port work on contaminated land. consultation in 1996, 1998 and 1999 Environment Agency which sets out key Industry will be challenged to accept and was subject to Parliamentary details of how they should carry out responsibility, and to act responsibly. approval under the negative resolution their functions under the new regime. Many companies already have positive procedure, is set out in DETR Circular The statutory guidance covers: programmes in place to identify and 2/2000 Contaminated land: implemen- I the definition of contaminated land clean up the sites which they have pol- tation of Part IIA of the Environmental I the identification of contaminated luted in the past. Others should follow Protection Act 1990. land suit. As well as the statutory guidance, the I the remediation of contaminated land Under the new regime every compa- circular includes: I exclusion from, and apportionment ny which may have responsibility for I a statement of Government policy in of, liabilities for remediation, and contaminated land problems should this field, I the recovery of the costs of remedia- actively draw up a strategy for finding I a description of the new contaminat- tion. those sites and cleaning them up rather ed land regime, and The new regime sets out five key than waiting for the regulators to visit. I a guide to the Regulations and points: Mr Meacher said: ‘I am challenging Commencement Order. I focus – having a new, specific system local authorities and business to make I Paper copies of the circular can be for contaminated land will help to the new regime a success – together we obtained via the Stationery Office order make sure that authorities take a can protect local communities and the line (0870 600 5522). strategic approach to dealing with environment from the risks and the It is also available from the DETR this problem; blight that contaminated land can cause. web site: I transparency – this improved focus, ‘I will be writing to the Chairmen of http://www.environment.detr.gov.uk/ together with the detailed rules and our major companies, setting out this contaminated/land/index.htm.

12 Panel on sustainable development calls for new priorities

An urgent re-ordering of priorities, ‘When the panel was first established mental policy; to cope with the wide- combined with co-ordinated long-term in January 1994, the somewhat slippery spread impacts of climate change; to energy strategies, is essential if we are concept of sustainable development was deal more effectively with the disposal to protect our environment, an expert peripheral to mainstream thinking and of waste, including radioactive sub- environmental panel has urged. policy on the environment. That is no stances; to ensure the quality and supply The Government Panel on longer so, as successive Government of fresh water; and to do more to Sustainable Development, an indepen- responses to our reports demonstrate. encourage energy generation from dent advisory group, has published its ‘The panel has had a significant renewable sources. sixth and final annual report. As well as impact on Government policy, but per- ‘There is a critical need, already urging all parts of society to give a high haps its most significant achievement recognised by many in the fossil fuel priority to environmental protection, the has been the Government’s positive industry, for a long term co-ordinated report highlights the need for a long change of attitude towards issues of sus- energy strategy. Together these prob- term co-ordinated energy strategy, and tainable development, especially in the lems go to the roots of human society looks at particular environmental issues field of the environment. and its sustainability, here and else- including genetically modified organ- ‘There remains much to do. Progress where. isms, world trade, investment and sus- has been variable. The panel believes ‘The Government has already given a tainable development, noise nuisance, that points of particular importance for lead, particularly over climate change, the ethics of biotechnology and fish- the future Commission on Sustainable but a reappraisal and re-ordering of pri- eries. Development are: orities is essential to protect the environ- The panel’s convenor, Sir Crispin the need to develop better means for ment and the natural resource base on Tickell, said: determining the real cost of environ- which we all depend.’ Climate change report welcomed

The fifth report on climate change in the against climate change. We will now generate 10 per cent of our electricity UK issued by the Select Committee on fully consider the committee’s detailed from renewable sources by 2010. the Environment, Transport and the findings and publish a formal response ‘We agree that we must now encour- Regions has been welcomed by John as soon as possible.’ age the public to understand the impor- Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister. Commenting on some of the commit- tance of their action in the fight against ‘The Government welcomes the tee’s recommendations, the Minister global warming. We are spending £25 select committee’s report as a construc- said the Government’s draft climate million on the award-winning “Are you tive contribution to the development of a change programme set out a robust, doing your bit?” publicity campaign climate change programme for the UK,’ strategic and far-reaching approach to over the next three years.’ Mr Prescott said. meeting climate change targets. At Kyoto in December 1997, devel- ‘There is a great deal in the commit- ‘The policies and measures that are oped countries agreed to reduce emis- tee’s report with which we agree. The included in the programme should mean sions of a basket of greenhouse gases committee has also recognised that, a cut of 21.5 per cent in greenhouse gas overall to 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels with publication of a draft UK pro- emissions below 1990 levels by 2010. over the period 2008-2012. The gramme on 9 March, the UK is leading This is almost double our Kyoto target European Community agreed jointly to the way internationally in the fight and equates to a cut of 17.5 per cent in an 8 per cent reduction. In June 1998, carbon dioxide alone. under the UK Presidency, this target was ‘The Government has set a goal to shared out between member states and The editor of cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per the UK agreed to a reduction of 12.5 per cent by 2010. cent. In its manifesto, the UK Environmental ‘Transport and domestic sectors will Government also set out a domestic goal Scientist make substantial contributions to emis- of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by sions reductions. EC voluntary agree- 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010. can be contacted at: ments with car manufacturers to The devolved administrations have also improve fuel efficiency by at least 25 now agreed to adopt this goal. PO Box 16 per cent by 2008, should deliver savings The UK is only the third European of 4 million tonnes of carbon equivalent country to publish details of its pro- Bourne (MtC) and Energy Efficiency Standard gramme for meeting its Kyoto target. Lincs Of Performance (EESOP) should help Climate Change: Draft UK Programme to stimulate savings of 2.7-3.8 MtC. was published on 9 March and a final PE10 9FB ‘Another important contribution will UK climate change programme will be come from the government’s target to produced later in the year.

13 The Hon. Secretary’s news desk…

Future professional from WWF. Generous funding of priate committee (please write to me at £13,000 has also been provided by the Institution). developments WWF to match the DETR grant of At the Council Meeting immediately During 1999, CIWEM carried out a £24,500 (approximately) for the first following the AGM the existing officers consultation exercise within their own year. and Chairmen of standing committees membership and with other environ- After a slow start from April of last were elected or appointed for a further mental bodies. They also produced a year, 14 institutions and professional year. leaflet entitled A Time for Change, look- bodies have participated in the project ing at possible future developments in with significant and enthusiastic contri- Responses to their own institution and in the wider butions. The project is meeting the tar- consultations environmental field. At the instigation of gets set in the two year overall the IES, a series of meetings are now in programme and has now reached agree- After an exceedingly busy start to the progress under the chairmanship of Dr ment on a framework document. A draft year, just one further response was sub- Michael Romeril to carry forward and set of recommendations has also been mitted to the DETR during February develop the ideas set out in that docu- prepared. During the second year it is dealing with Modernising planning: ment. A widely representative group of intended that a range of more detailed improving enforcement appeal proce- environmental institutions are involved and particular training documents and dures and prepared by Jim Whelan. in these discussions and the main topic aids will be developed and produced. under consideration is the setting up of a Subscriptions new environmental body representative Annual General Subscription reminders were sent out at of all interests. The nature and constitu- Meeting the end of March to over 25 per cent of tion of such a body is still a matter for members. This is a time consuming and debate but it is hoped that one outcome At the 27th Annual General Meeting on costly exercise which uses valuable could be the availability of chartered 8th March 2000 the size of Council was resources needed elsewhere. Determined status through this new body. reduced to a maximum number of 20. efforts are being made to move the envi- Watch this space. This was part of a streamlining of pro- ronmental profession forward and cedures which has been going on for enhance the status of all our members. EAF Grant Aided some time. Even at this reduced level We do need your continuing support, Project there are still one or two vacancies. however, to achieve progress and your Although the work carried out by the prompt subscription renewal is the sim- The research project relating to the pro- secretariat has been expanding steadily plest sign of confidence. fessional institutions and training for for some time, the Institution still relies For those of you contemplating a sustainable development has reached heavily on voluntary contributions from move and change of address, please the end of its first year of activities. The members to achieve any significant remember to advise the Secretariat of all original partners of the IES, The Natural development. Anyone prepared to make the relevant changes. A break in com- Step, CEE and the Environment Agency a commitment of time and effort is invit- munication is a significant factor in our have been joined by an energetic team ed to volunteer for service on an appro- loss of members from year to year. New members The IES is pleased to welcome the following to membership of the Institution:

Mr R. S. Brunt Postgraduate Student Mr M. D. Mason Instrument Supervisor University of Edinburgh L.E.S. Engineering CEESR Associate of the Institution Mr S. J. Newcombe Environmental Protection Officer Kingston University South Somerset District Council Miss S. L. Clegg Environmental Scientist Ms C. R. Roberts Head of School of Environment Defence Evaluation & Research Cheltenham & Glos. College of HE Agency Mr R. Shewan Postgraduate Student Mr M. D.Doodes Student Manchester Metropolitan University University of the West of England Dr O. A. Sodeinde Senior Lecturer Dr. R Elangovan Recent Graduate Ogun State University, Nigeria Mr J. Foster Compliance Scheme Co-ordinator Mr D. H. Stevens Environment Officer Biffa Waste Services Ltd. Morriston Hospital Mr A. Hadjichambis Teacher, Cyprus Miss L. A. Torbit Scientist, Scottish Environment Mr S. D. Henderson Environmental Consultant Protection Agency Atticus Consultancy Mr Y. V. Violaris Researcher Mr L. Lopez-Parodi Student, University of Glamorgan University of Surrey

14 Forthcoming events 5-9 June 2000 ence with seminars on environmental conservation interest. £220-440 Healthy environments: issues, recycling, pavement manage- Details: Dewi Jones, Plas Tan y Bwlch, the local challenge ment, electronic fee collection, road Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Oslo, Norway design and safety. Gwynedd. LL41 3YU Call for papers. Conference covers Details: Patricia Pascoe, Transport 01766 590324. e-mail: plastanyb- local communities’ involvement in Research Laboratory, Old Wokingham [email protected] developing healthy environments. Road, Crowthorne, Berks, RG45 6AU 28-30 September 2000 Details: PLUS Convention Norway 01344 770166 International waste manage- A/S, P.O. Box 1646 Vika. N-O 119 e-mail: [email protected] ment conference Oslo 47 67 56 90 12, 4-7 September Trier, Germany e-mail [email protected] International conference Will examine new methods in waste Society for Ecological Restoration, 13-15 June 2000 management. Details: VKS-ACR Liverpool The science of air quality Saarbruken/Germany A conference to share experience and monitoring Fax +6819 7130 109 expertise in ecological restoration e-mail: [email protected] CRE, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham Details: SER 2000 Conference Short Course providing an understand- Secretariat, c/o SJS Business Services 3-5 October 2000 ing of the methods of air quality moni- Ltd, PO Box 17, Newton le Willows, The science of air quality toring, together with practical Merseyside WA3 2FQ monitoring demonstrations. £675 e-mail: [email protected] Details: Katherine Briggs, CRE Group CRE, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham Ltd, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham, Glos, 4 -8 September 2000 Short course providing an understand- 01242 673361 Monitoring for nature conser- ing of the methods of air quality moni- e-mail: [email protected] vation toring, together with practical Plas Tan y Bwlch, Snowdonia National demonstrations £675 21-22 June 2000 Park Environmental Studies Centre, Details: Katherine Briggs, CRE Group Surface transport 2000 Wales. Short course to further the Ltd, Stoke Orchard. Cheltenham, Glos. TRL, Crowthorne, Berkshire knowledge and skills necessary, for the 01242 673361 Exhibition demonstrations and confer- effective monitoring of sites of nature e-mail: [email protected]

15 Notice Board

Diary dates 2000 Occasional papers 5 July Education Committee 10.30 available now from IES Waste management 5 July Council 13.30 I From waste to woods – planting trees on landfill I From waste to woods: trees on landfill and their place 11 September GP Committee 13.00 in landscape I Enhanced landfill strategy 1 November Education Committee 10.30 I Waste minimisation: the long term benefits I European study on EISs of installations for the 1 November Council 13.30 treatment and disposal of toxic and dangerous waste I Mercury fall-out from crematoria

1 November Burntwood Lecture 18.30 Education and training I Environmental courses undergo a quality assessment I Student environmental declaration Credible ISO14001 certification I On-line information systems in environmental sciences courses I Global environmental charter and network for students

Business and industry I The tourism challenge I The tourism debate and environmental scientists I Enjoying environmental science as a career I The Brent Spar and the best practical environmental option BASEC National and local government 23 Presley Way • Crownhill I Transport policy, environmental pressures and the new Milton Keynes • MK8 0ES UK government I Local Agenda 21 – making it work Tel: 01908 267300 Fax: 01908 267255 Price: £5 per paper including p&p Web Site: www.env-basec.org.uk (£3 per paper for members)

Contributors The Environmental Scientist aims to provide a forum for members’ contributions, views, interests, activities and news, as well as topical feature articles. Articles up to 3000 words should be submitted to the Editor three weeks prior to publication in the last week of January, March, May, July, September and November. In future all communications to the Editor should be routed through the Institution at PO Box 16, Bourne, PE10 9FB. Views expressed in the journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect IES views or policy.

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