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Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 13:38:13 GMT
From: "Jo Makepeace" (webmaster@schnews.org.uk)
Subject: SchNEWS 293, Friday 16th February, 2001
URL: http://www.schnews.org.uk/

UK incinerator news

EAT THIS - the Byker incinerator, Newcastle-Upon Tyne

For twenty years the people of Newcastle have been forced to breathe in toxic fumes pumped out from the Byker incinerator. Not content with this, in 1993 Newcastle Council decided that they should eat toxic waste as well, and so dumped 2,000 tonnes of incinerator ash on allotments and parks around the city.

A report out this week has found that dioxin (extremely nasty persistent cancer causing chemicals) levels in the ash were almost 2,000 times higher than the safe recommended limit. Levels of dioxins in eggs from allotment hens were found to be up to 20 times greater than the levels found in 'normal' eggs. The report concluded that by eating one Byker egg daily you would be doubling your cancer risk. The eating of vegetables and eggs on 22 allotments have been banned, but the Council, the Environment Agency and the Food Standards Agency are assuring people there is really nothing to worry about. The Council and the operators of the incinerator will soon be facing 19 charges between them of illegally disposing of toxic waste.

There could well be an incinerator coming your way soon, as the government are planning to build 160 new incinerators over the next 20 years, so enjoy your allotment food whilst you still can.

Communities Against Toxics, PO Box 29, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH66 3TX
Tel/Fax - 0151 339 5473
ralph@tcpublications.freeserve.co.uk

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Crymyln Bog incinerator planned

There are plans afoot to build an incinerator close to Crymyln Bog SSSI near Swansea. Local residents don't fancy this idea much and have organised a demo this Saturday (17th) - assemble 10:30 for 11am move off outside Cape Horner Pub, St Thomas, Swansea.

Contact 01792 425231 for info.

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