WIREDGOV

New report also shows serious pollution incidents fall to seven-year low

Last year’s long cold winter contributed to a 19% increase in sulphur emissions as power companies burned more coal to keep up with increased demand, an Environment Agency report out yesterday reveals.

The Sustainable Business Report, the Environment Agency’s annual stocktake of environmental performance in England, shows that the increase in sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and particulate emissions, bucks the general trend over the past decade which had seen emissions fall significantly. The Environment Agency estimates that the knock-on health costs from increased emissions rose from approximately £845 million in 2011 to £957 million in 2012.

The rise in coal burning was also, in part, down to cheaper coal imports from the United States due to the widespread availability of shale gas supplies in the US. In the UK, coal accounted for 40% of electricity generation – the highest since 1996.

Overall, the environmental performance of UK industry continues to improve, despite tough economic conditions. The number of pollution incidents in England classified as serious or significant fell by 8% to 504, the lowest level ever recorded. Overall, serious pollution incidents have reduced by 55% since 2000.

The Environment Agency’s Sustainable Business report also shows that last year:

Site operators who comply pay nearly 70% less in regulatory fees

In response to continuing good environmental performance, and to encourage sustainable growth, the Environment Agency has reduced administrative costs for businesses by £15 million a year since 2010. This figure is set to fall further, saving businesses £45 million a year by 2015. The move means site operators who comply fully with their permits pay nearly 70% less in regulatory fees than those who do not.

But while the report praises the majority of companies for continuing to improve their environmental performance in tough economic times, it also highlights that there were some persistent poor performers. The Environment Agency is working with these companies to improve performance where they pose a risk to people or the environment.

Cold winter and cheaper coal led to rise in emissions

Environment Agency Chief Executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: ‘Last year’s cold winter and cheaper coal imports led to more coal being used for electricity generation, resulting in a rise in emissions from sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and particulates. However, these emissions will reduce significantly in the future as the operation of coal-fired power stations is restricted by European Directives.

‘Overall, the environmental performance of industry in England is good and continues to improve. Serious pollution incidents have more than halved since 2000. It is good to see that 78% of sites scored an ‘A’ rating for environmental performance this year – the highest ever – even in difficult economic times.

‘We have cut the administrative cost to businesses of our regulation. However, around 80 businesses – less than 1% – are bad neighbours with persistent poor performance over a three year period. We continue to work with these sites and operators to improve their compliance.

‘We shut down 1,279 illegal waste sites this year – more than ever before. However, 817 new illegal sites started up. Illegal waste sites continue to be a focus for our enforcement activity.’

• Sustainable Business Report (1.24MB)