ESG Radio Newsletter 27^th April 2016

Hello- since our last newsletter the ESG has focused on several issues affecting our environment. This includes:–  noise pollution from the dockyard area, Rosia Bay petition, the EIA for the LNG storage project, online bus tracking, and the launch of a collaborative project on Vistas and Views by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, ESG and the GONHS.

So lets start with the dockyard noise. South district residents have seen significant reduction of noise and air pollution in their homes after suffering decades from the impacts of the heavily polluting power stations. However last week noise levels soared once again with the arrival of the navy vessel RFA into the port. We rec’d complaints and issued a press release. We have followed this up directly with each pertinent entity to seek a solution to the present problem, but more importantly, to secure a long lasting resolution of what happens all too frequently at dockside and must be eliminated: that is, running of engines while in port for any length of time.

This transitory pollution is a huge environmental problem and needs to be eliminated from our port. The issue appears to revolve around the lack of connection facility for different vessel types. There are European directives, financial subsidies and readily available technology to overcome this difficulty. Driving this process is affected coastal communities and Gibraltar definitely qualifies with land limitation placing industry and communities cheek by jowl. We are highlighting these measures and possibilities to all concerned in the hope that steps will speedily be taken. More updates in our next newsletter and go online to esg-gib.net for more information to be updated on this matter shortly.

The ESG agrees that development at Rosia Bay should be minimal and refurbished to respect its open, historic and natural coastline. There is a petition doing the rounds online which is getting a lot of support.

We want to highlight that the EIA documentation for the proposed LNG storage, including a non-technical summary, is published online via the egov.gi website with a deadline for comments and objections to be made by the 5^th May 2016. The ESG is presently studying the comprehensive documentation and will be submitting our own concerns in this process.

We also wanted to advise of a 2^nd debate being organised by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust being held on the 3^rd May at 6.30pm at the Main Guard. The theme is “In your face? How high is too high for Gibraltar’s urban landscape?” A very interesting and most topical subject. In line with this theme is the launch of a collaborative draft document by the Heritage Trust together with the ESG and GONHS on Protected Views, which was published yesterday. This is now out for public consultation and feedback and you can find this on the heritage website: www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi. You will also be able to access this from the GONHS and ESG websites soon.

See also link:      http://gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi/about-gibraltar-heritage/news/26-04-2016/launch-of-views-vistas-protection-document

Good news re online bus tracking – hope other routes are added as soon as possible.

Finally please put the Clean up Dates in your calendar, for the 24^th and 25^th September. Volunteers welcome to sign up now emailing esg@gibtelecom.net .

Thanks for listening.

The ESG welcomes the recent launch of the online bus tracking service on routes 2 and 3 and hopes that other routes will soon follow.

It is undeniable that such a service will improve the process of moving more people away from their reliance on cars, as it will provide greater confidence on the reliability and timing of a public transport service that is more user-friendly and better.

Clearly heavy traffic and also high demand at peak hours will continue to impact on the smooth running of the bus service. Also, the group considers that issues including changes to routes, paying and non-paying parking, bus design and unnecessary engine idling, still need addressing.

However the ESG believes that the introduction of this long anticipated online facility is a welcome and important step in the right direction.

ESG Press Release 180416

Re Quayside Pollution

The Royal Navy RFA that is currently in Gibraltar for repairs is leaving its engine on continuously. There is air-pollution from this source and given the very high noise level of this engine, which is particularly noticeable at night, the situation is extremely unpleasant and unsatisfactory for many residents in the vicinity. The group has received complaints from the public and urges the relevant agencies to ensure that shore-power is available and useable on the vessel so that the engine is only used when absolutely necessary for other on-board requirements.

The background to this situation is that this type of quayside pollution from vessels occurs frequently enough to demand that more action is taken regarding its mitigation.

Shore side connection and conversion to local power supply needs to be facilitated throughout our Port to cover all vessels coming in for berthing and service. This would greatly assist in eliminating unnecessary air and noise pollution, which impacts on neighbouring residential areas. This is particularly relevant in the GibDock facility, which already has a significant environmental impact on the frontline neighbourhood.

It would seem clear to us, given our long historical links with the MoD, that all its vessels should have the necessary connection equipment to plug in to shore-power and shut their own engines down while in harbour in Gibraltar.

This present situation highlights that either new measures are required, or existing ones more effectively enforced. The group is taking up this issue with the MoD, the Ministry for the Environment, Captain of the Port and GibDock and will be seeking answers on legislation and enforcement procedures in place.

links to

Shore side connection and conversion technology –

http://www.schneider-electric.ca/documents/solutions/Shore_Connection_applications_and_main_challenges.pdf

WHO noise level safety recommendations

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/202na3_en.pdf

ESG Press Release

12^th April 2016

“The ESG agrees with the GONHS that there is abundant evidence as to the polluting effects of the type of balloons used on National Day. The decision to stop this release of balloons has been taken after much consultation because of the political connotations and the ESG therefore commends the stand taken by the SDGG and hopes that energy and focus will now be shared by the community in the search for an environmentally friendly and vibrant alternative.”

Ends/..

ESG PR re Additional Fuel Storage

Facility in Gibraltar

8^th April 2016

The ESG totally opposes the proposal to build a land-based fuel storage facility, as this is further industrialisation with potentially damaging effects on our environment.

———————————-

For more information please contact Tom Scott on 58009259

See official announcement on this project in the local press

The ESG welcomes the release today by the SDGG regarding the end of a mass release of balloons on National Day. We have campaigned for some years for this ban alongside the GONHS and many individuals. The recent visit and efforts by Lewis Pugh is also recognised.
It is a great relief to hear that the impact from this annual balloon release on the environment has finally been acknowledged and we thank all those involved, both locally and internationally, in helping arrive at this decision.

ESG Radio Newsletter 24^th March 2016

 Key Words:- Traffic and Transport Plan, Tracking and Idling, Western Beach and Large Marine Fuel Facility

In this newsletter before the Easter break we wanted to share some focus on a few environmental issues of interest to the public and our members.

As many will know the ESG works year round to achieve as many of our goals as possible. These goals are contained in our Wish List, or Core Aims list and can be found on the home page of our website: esg-gib.net.

We have recently met with the Minister for Transport, Mr Paul Balban, and presented our concerns and aims related to transport and traffic in Gibraltar. We have also been calling for the publication and implementation of the new Traffic and Transport plan. We therefore welcome the Ministers interview on GBC recently committing to the imminent release of the implementation plan.

We are also keen to see installed the bus tracking system believing this can only help persuade more and more car drivers to move to using public transport with confidence. Another concern we have is that of idling – that is leaving your engine running while parked – be it roadside anywhere, or at the border especially when there are traffic jams or gridlock. Idling releases toxic fumes which are harmful to health and affect pedestrians, cyclists and even those same people sitting in cars. Idling wastes fuel and also produces noise pollution. In the UK there are various statutes and laws, which exist to minimise and control unnecessary idling. We shall be taking this matter up once again with the Minister to explore what can be done in Gibraltar to eliminate this additional pollution from our streets.

Western Beach is once again in our sights as we prepare our response to the European Commissions pledge to look at taking legal action against Spain for the infringement of fecal water discharge into this cross border site, fairly certain now that the Sp Authorities appear to have no intention of resolving this environmental problem. We are also calling on our MEPs to follow the process and progress of any legal moves on the part of the Commission. If action isn’t taken soon it is likely that Western Beach will not be open this summer under the higher bathing water standards now in place.

The ESG is preparing a separate press release on the recent tender announcement by Govt and the Gibraltar Port Authority regarding inviting proposals for a substantial Land Based Marine Fuel facility in Gibraltar.

We want to know if this facility will replace the current activity at the Detached Mole. We have called for transparency and full public participation in any land based fuel facility as contained in our wish list but believe the situation has changed given that LNG is now being discussed not only for the new power station but also as a potential bunkering fuel. As a group we are very concerned about industrialising Gibraltar further and will be seeking answers from all involved on this project.

That’s it for now –thanks for listening – have a good and peaceful Easter break and remember you can always get more information from our website at esg-gib.net.

Letter to Editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle 10^th March 2016

Dear Sir,

Gibraltar’s sense of identity and nationhood are important.  They have helped us to endure stern tests and develop into this prosperous and highly educated community.  It is right that we should celebrate these together on National Day.

In the past few years, Gibraltar has sought to position itself at the forefront of environmental best practice.  It is essential for Gibraltar’s standing in the international community that we are seen to be leaders in what is right.

Unfortunately, the balloon release on National Day is impossible to defend.  It litters, pollutes and poses a threat to wildlife.  Some of us have been campaigning for years to find a more positive way in which we can celebrate this important day.

Recently, this matter has attracted the attention of UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh, who is campaigning for an end to this practice.  His opinion piece in this newspaper is sensible and shows that he has both the environment and Gibraltar’s interests at heart.  We are encouraged by his approach and most grateful for his support.

Lewis’s involvement highlights that the environment is a truly international concern.  We are vocal when others pollute our environment and we should seek to minimise our own impact on the planet.  Gibraltar should lead by example on this, just as we do on many other matters.  If we are seen to be wrong on this very visible issue, we run the risk of having our efforts on the environment undermined.  It will be easier, too, for our detractors to argue that we are wrong on much else.

We urge the public and other organisations to support and join our campaign.  We are convinced that the balloon release will end in the short term.  Common sense and modern practices demand it.  Help us to bring that about.

Ideas have always been an important currency in our community and Gibraltar has a large pool of creative people.  Indeed, it is the people that define Gibraltar, not the balloons.  Tell us what you would like to see the balloon release replaced with.

Change will come soon.  Let us all play a part in it.  Let us show leadership and celebrate our identity responsibly and sustainably.

Yours sincerely,

GONHS Council                   ESG Committee

29th February 2016

The ESG welcomes the public discussion taking place on the need to replace the annual release of thousands of balloons on National Day with an environmentally friendly alternative. It has been especially welcoming to hear our own Chief Minister call for change, with this further supported in a recent Chronicle editorial.

The ESG group acts on marine litter every year through its Clean up the World Campaign and feels most strongly that the massive balloon release is in direct conflict with our campaign aims and objectives to clean up, protect and conserve our living environment.

We welcome support for a safe alternative from both within and outside Gibraltar and would also wish to thank Lewis Pugh, the UNEP Patron of the Seas, for taking time out from his busy schedule to visit Gibraltar and discuss the true environmental cost of the balloon release directly with Government.

The ESG will work energetically in 2016 and in partnership with the GONHS, Mr Pugh, the SDGG and all others wanting to see real change on this issue. We agree there are several possible and safe alternatives that can truly celebrate our identity and also call upon the community to participate in the search for viable solutions.

ESG Press Release   “Free Hospital Wi-Fi”
February 2016

The ESG would like to state its concerns based on the article, entitled “Coming Soon: Free Hospital Wi-Fi” which was published by Gibraltar Chronicle, on Thursday 11^th February.

The ESG has worked closely with HM GoG and private entities on the siting of mobile phone masts antennae with reasonable satisfaction. Mutual consensus was achieved in maintaining an acceptable transmission distance, between antennae and schools, and also hospitals. Wi-Fi routers and access points also radiate microwaves, but with substantially lower power. The proximity which people get to Wi-Fi antennae and the length of exposure time is of concern; it is a question of ‘dosimetry’ i.e. the radiation dose received by the human body.

In May 2000, the ‘Stewart Report’ commissioned by the UK Government, stated: ”A precautionary approach to the use of mobile phone technologies be adopted until much more detailed and scientifically robust information on health effects becomes available” (paragraph 6.35)

In May 2011, WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequencies
as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B); this falls in the same category as DDT, chloroform, lead, gasoline fumes etc..
Certainly not to be found within a hospital’s clinical environment.

Current safety standards imposed by ‘INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON NON-IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION’ (ICNIRP) fall short of adequate protection. These are outdated (1998), being too permissive, and ignoring possible long-term effects.

In 6 May 2011, The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in their Doc. 12608 entitled “The potential dangers of electromagnetic fields and their effect on the environment” suggested in article 8.3.2 that member states ‘…..ban all mobile phones, DECT phones or Wi-Fi or WLAN systems from classrooms and schools, as advocated by some regional authorities, medical associations, and civil society organisations.’

The recent ‘BioInitiative 2012 Report’ prepared by 29 authors from ten countries, ten holding medical degrees (MDs), 21 PhDs, and three MSc, MA or MPHs. Among the authors are three former presidents of the Bioelectromagnetics Society, and five full members of BEMS. Bioeffects are clearly established to occur with very low exposure levels (non-thermal levels) to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation exposures. The stakes are very high. Human beings are bioelectrical systems. Our hearts and brains are regulated by internal bioelectrical signals. Environmental exposures to artificial EMFs can interact with fundamental biological processes in the human body.

In 29^th January 2015, the French National Assembly made history by passing a new national law to reduce exposures to wireless radiation electromagnetic fields:
1.Wi-Fi banned in Nursery Schools; WI-FI and Wireless devices will be banned in “the spaces dedicated to home, to rest and activities of children under 3 years”.
2. Wi-Fi minimized in Schools; for children up to 11 years, Wi-Fi routers should be turned off when not in use for pedagogic purposes. Etc…

ESG believes it is not prudent to roll-out 24 hours Wi-Fi throughout the whole hospital; precautionary measures should be taken on the children’s ward, maternity wards, and the elderly care wards/bedrooms.

When there’s controversy amongst the scientific community, the ‘Precautionary Principle’ is invoked. GHA must stand on the side of caution and implement a precautionary approach.   The ESG adds it will be discussing these concerns further with Government and GHA officials.