466,000 Tonne New Incinerators (x3), for Beveren, Belgium. 

 

(with many thanks to Mr. Cronin Sean from Cork (Ireland) for the translation)

 

29th November 2001

 

 

Advice to:        Minister for Environment (Flanders) Ms. Vera Dua

 

From:              Mininstery of Flemish Community, Department of Preventive & Social Healthcare

 

Re:                 Indaver Environment License – Beveren

 

 

With reference to the information in the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) submitted by Indaver

 

We note a release of more than 27.3hg SO2/hr or 234.075kg/year for two incinerators or 36.309hg SO2/hr for the three proposed.

 

Antwerp city and left bank has been frequently confronted with peak levels of pollution affecting health in addition to the currently tolerated average SO2 air concentrates given hereunder.

 

According to the proceeding figures it follows that the periods with dangerous peak emissions will be reached sooner and will last for longer periods.  These periodic increases in air pollution due to SO2 peaks are both harmful for the public health and prohibited by law (see WHO Air Quality Limits).

 

Take Note

Indaver had originally applied for 2 incinerators but now a third is added.  The above information only applies to two incinerators, so it is even more dangerous for three – as the proceeding figures need to be increased by 33% (as per EIS data).

360,000 → 466,000 capacity

 

Due to the increase in air pollution; in the past years there has been a noticeable increase in respiratory allergies and asthma.  There is a consensus about this in the medical community and among the Antwerp based allergy specialists.

 

The release of 234 tonne (312.151kg) SO2 each year will mainly contribute in a disproportionate amount to acid rain due to formation of Sulphuric Acid.

 

We can only tolerate a moratorium – standstill in air quality for the common good, i.e. no increase in emissions, no deterioration in air quality, because Antwerp zone is a protected zone due to Flemish Governments’ Environmental Policy.

 

The extension of Indaver Incineration Installations with .3 x fluidized bed incinerators means a major step in the degradation of air quality due to SO2 emissions.

 

To the benefit of the common health we need a prevention policy.

 

Advice/Analysis/Feedback

 

Positive : We recommend the NOx Installation

 

Negative : extension of the installation with 3 fluidized bed incinerators

                         They must install SO2 filters so the SOx emissions will not increase

 

This recommendation was not followed by the Ministers (no conditions imposed on the planning decision).

 

NB:      The Health Department is astonished that the EIS does not mention, at all, the gigantic emissions from CO2 in the air.  These emissions contribute to increasing greenhouse effects; (warming of the atmosphere).  There is an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.