Press Release 22nd April 2013

ESG on World Earth Day and Mobile Phone Masts

With World Earth Day celebrated globally today, the 22nd April, the ESG wishes to draw attention to a number of environmental matters. Firstly, the Earth Day’s own inspirational website and projects at: earthday.org. There are details of various incredible projects being carried out around the world today under this campaign. Projects on reforestation as well as on conservation, sustainability and climate change. The Canopy Project alone involves the planting of 10 million trees!

On Saturday the 27th April, and in recognition of World Earth Day, the ESG shall be setting up a stall in Main Street, between 11.00am to 1.00pm. Among the environmental issues we shall be raising, we launch an awareness and information campaign over the hidden dangers posed by the ever increasing use and presence of electronic radiation in our lives today. We look at why Gibraltar presently has a moratorium on mobile phone masts, and will have experts with us to help discuss these issues.

Leaflets will be handed out on the day. Do come along to our stall – join the conversation, next Saturday at 11.00am in Main Street.

In today’s edition we shall talk about current environmental issues as well as look ahead to World Earth Day on the 22nd April. It seems that we are never too far from witnessing or being affected by air or noise pollution. Certainly bunkering fumes seem to be on the rise with many reporting such problems this past week. On investigation there appears to have been a number of possible causes; the Refinery was seen to be belching noxious fumes during N.Westerlies, and closer to home, which is likely to affect us the most, rupturing aging pipe work at the Western Arm led to exposure of acrid diesel product that released fumes throughout the residential areas on the western flank of Gibraltar, causing a serious smell nuisance. While this was reported as having being repaired last Thursday, bunkering type fumes continue to pervade our airspace even these past few days. We continue to report these incidents and ask the public to also send in their reports to the relevant agencies: admin@environmental-agency.gi and gibunksupt@port.gov.gi. Plse also cc us at the esg@gibtelecom.net.

Another matter of growing interest now the hot weather is here is Western Beach and sewage pollution. Anyone visiting official websites on water monitoring know too well the disastrous levels of sewage entering our beach from la Linea right up until a few weeks ago. There was no mention of Western Beach being raised in the recent visit by the Gibraltar Govt to Brussels. We are following up the matter directly with the European Commission once again.

Back to the Refinery again- we were interested to read in a Spanish publication recently the fact that the new owners of the past three years, the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund, has publicly stated it wants to completely overhaul and modernise the plant to bring it up to modern day stds. Wouldn’t that be great? Its clear from recently witnessed flaring that this clean up hasn’t yet started. We are now contacting the new owners to verify any truth in the public statement and also to ask when we can return with our bucket to take air samples. The bucket grabs a bagful, or lungful of air using EPA approved equipment. Sample is sent to an accredited laboratory in the US and analysed for chemical content. Will update on this important issue soon.

Now to Earth Day. This year we are launching an awareness and information campaign on this global environmental day to raise the profile of an issue which affects us all, both inside and outside the home and office – that of radiation exposure from mobile phone masts, cell phones, and general electronic equipment. Our intention is to “have a conversation, locally,” that is taking place throughout the world. How this equipment, as well as providing an ever more versatile service, is also exposing us and our families to unknown health risks from invisible and unknown levels of radiation. We shall use World Earth Day to launch the campaign in Gibraltar, where, today, there is a temporary moratorium on the setting up of new mobile phone masts. Let’s have the conversation. Press releases, Main Street stall and talks are planned. More information and dates released soon.

Thanks for listening- call 54960000 or email esg@gibtelecom.net for more information.

NB; SEE BELOW INFO FOR REPORTING LITTER AND VANDALSIM ISSUES, AND FOR FUMES AND EXCESSIVE POLLUTION. TWO DIFFERENT CONTACT DETAILS –

FOR LITTERING/VANDALISM/DUMPING

Feedback Section based at New Harbours: 200-65964 daytime number -report to be copied to: env.feedback@gibraltar.gov.gi

For FOUL SMELLS which could come from industry/shipping/port/dockyard/sewage etc.
you are to call:

Environmental Agency daytime : 200-70620 and 58297000 for outside working hours– you are advised to copy report to email addresses: info.environment@gibraltar.gov.gi and admin@environmental-agency.gi.

So now we have three separate emails to use- plse use them all and remember to copy us on everything at esg@gibtelecom.net!!

Reports received by the ESG last week continue to come in today with the familiar “bunkering”, rotten egg smells filling our air space, affecting the southern and north western flanks of the Rock. Upon investigations last week we were informed by the official Environment Agency that old disused piping carrying diesel had ruptured at the Western Arm area resulting in old fuel spilling into harbour area. We were informed that the piping had been repaired last Thursday – 4th April – over weekend diesel fumes continued to affect. pretty much everywhere on the western side of Gib -and today we once again detect the nauseating fumes. Naturally we shall follow up with all relevant authorities and see if these offensive fumes can be stopped once and for all.

REMEMBER YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ACTING ON THESE ISSUES- COPY INFO ONTO YOUR COMPUTER AND USE THEM
Last week Government published new reporting protocols which we welcome. These affect issues such as dumping and severe littering/vandalism as well as numbers for the public to use when affected by foul smells.

There are two separate places/numbers to call as follows:

For littering/vandalism/dumping contact:

Feedback Section based at New Harbours: 200-65964 daytime number -report to be copied to: env.feedback@gibraltar.gov.gi

For foul smells which could come from industry/shipping/port/dockyard/sewage etc.
you are to call:

Environmental Agency daytime : 200-70620 and 58297000 for outside working hours– you are advised to copy report to email addresses: info.environment@gibraltar.gov.gi and admin@environmental-agency.gi.

So now we have three separate emails to use- plse use them all and remember to copy us on everything at esg@gibtelecom.net!!

– ESG Radio Broadcast – 21st March 2013

We would like to draw your attention to a number of environmental stories which have appeared in the local and UK press.

• Regarding news appearing in the local media: on the development of Government policy with respect to the environment – we welcome hearing of the various plans in mind – especially news that an imminent announcement on the replacement power station project is within sights; apparently we shall be hearing from the Chief Minister himself on this very critical subject next week and we, along with many thousands of Gibraltarians, will be listening with great anticipation.

• Great to see so many of us recycling, pressing the need for increasing the frequency in emptying of bins –this is a good problem..

• Another matter that caught our attention on the online press, and which we believe is very significant, is that of the Conservative UK Govt wanting to change the school curriculum to remove any mention of Climate Change for pupils up to the age of 14yrs. It is no secret that the present UK Govt contains many climate change sceptics but it is of paramount importance that this proposal is met with fierce opposition by the public.

• It has taken many years for the educational process to catch up and include the need to educate our young about how we must change our ways and develop sustainable lifestyles and economies, particularly with respect to climate change. This proposal to remove the issue of climate change from the curriculum is surely a retrograde step and one that will be opposed by many. There are already petitions and campaigns beginning to take off in the UK on this. Of course, Gibraltar follows the UK curriculum so we shall be taking this matter up with the local educational authorities should the UK Govt press ahead with their plans.

• Earth Hour this weekend…hope everyone will acknowledge this important action highlighting the need for collective awareness and responsibility. Remember to switch off at 8.30pm for one hour this Saturday 23rd March and support this important global campaign. Visit earthhour.org for more details as well as the ESG website esg-gib.net for more local environmental news.

March 2013

Please follow link below- refers to Sperm Whale found dead south of Granada. It was confirmed the animal had swallowed large amounts of plastic waste. Scientists from Donana National Park Research Centre believe the plastic waste had eventually blocked the animal’s stomach and killed it.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/08/spain-sperm-whale-death-swallowed-plastic

ESG Radio Broadcast 7th March 2013

Today we look at a few issues of environmental interest. We have released two press releases this week, so let’s begin with those first.

• Government recently announced it had succeeded in a major feat of transposing all pending EC Directives. We congratulate Government for allocating human resources to this herculean task. What was not discussed in the subsequent media coverage and interviews, and the reason for our issuing our statement, was implementation. From the environmental lobby, this is what we really care about as it is only when a directive is “effective”, that real change can be obtained. We therefore hope that as well as being leaders in Europe on implementation, that we can also soon follow this achievement with full implementation. Certainly on the environment, this will provide widespread benefits

• The second statement we have issued refers to news that Government is considering building a hotel at the Nuffield Pool site. This has come as a surprise to us and to others in the community. We are calling upon Government to provide more thinking on this issue. As contained in our statement, while supporting any efforts to beautify, replant, and generally enhance the already spectacular setting of the area, we would not support major construction. Please visit our website at esg-gib.net for the full press release

• Last week the ESG visited the temporary generators at the North Mole site and was given a tour by the site supervisor and GibElec Manager. What a difference to the old, obsolete and polluting stations we have lived with, and continue to suffer today. The turbine technology and onsite equipment in general was literally, a breath of fresh air!!! The high standards of safety coupled with minimal noise and air emissions was most impressive and works are actively underway to further reduce noise emissions. Air emissions will also be tackled when additional equipment currently being built, is installed. We are grateful to the Minister for the Environment for facilitating the tour and to GibElec and the site supervisor for the very interesting visit. It is our view that turbine technology is a very positive step forward in delivering Gibraltar’s energy needs and that introducing combined cycle systems would further increase efficiency

• The ESG received a number of complaints within the past fortnight from residents living in the south and north west districts of higher than usual air pollution from all generating stations. It emphasises the urgent need for Government to announce its plans for a fully compliant, replacement power station which cannot come a day too soon for many

• Finally, a first call out to CUTW team leaders. We shall shortly be contacting you to discuss campaign plans for 2013. More details will be published after initial brainstorming sessions have taken place. These will also be posted on our website. If you are interested in taking part and have not done so before, please get in touch and we can provide you with more information.

Thanks for listening!

ESG PRESS RELEASE
8th MARCH 2013
HOTEL TENDER FOR NUFFIELD POOL SITE

The ESG was surprised to read in the local press of a tender published by the Gibraltar Government for development at the Nuffield Pool site.

In the GSLP’s manifesto there was no mention of hotels or developments in this area; rather, that the Nuffield Pool would be made available to the local community once this was handed back to the Gibraltar Government by the MoD.

In this very special part of the Rock the open nature of the area provides a welcome space for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the special coastal environment in relative peace and quiet.

The ESG would support beautification, replanting and general tidy-up of the area as well as see another GSLP manifesto commitment come to life with the creation of an underwater marine park. Such an attraction and resource would enhance an already beautiful and natural zone which the group believes should be preserved and protected and not see major construction.

It is hoped that more information will be made available soon and that:-

• there will be public participation in deciding whether this project goes forward or not as has been the case with other special coastal sites like Rosia Bay;
• and that Government will follow its open policy to date by sharing plans for its major projects with the DPC

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ESG PRESS RELEASE
7th MARCH 2013

EU DIRECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION

The ESG believes the Government’s recent announcement on achieving full transposition of all pending EU Directives to be a most welcome and positive step. In the group’s experience, however, transposition alone is a part of a critical process to ensure a directive produces the desired benefits to citizens and the environment.

Speaking from the environmental lobby, the ESG believes that robust implementation, policing and enforcement, are crucial to the directive process and would like to see Gibraltar also lead with full implementation of all environmental directives to bring about long awaited practical and tangible benefits and higher environmental standards. It is further hoped that all local industry and commerce will comply and support these important measures.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21500701

BBC world news 25 February 2013
Can new technology save fish?
By Roger Harrabin Environment analyst

The technology on trial at Denmark’s North Sea Centre
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
• MEPs back major EU fishing reform
• Q&A: Reform of EU fishing policy
• Shortages: Fish on the slide
A technological revolution is needed for Europe to end the controversial practice of discarding fish, according to the EU’s fisheries commissioner.
Maria Damanaki is calling for boats to be fitted with smart nets to filter out fish which would later be discarded as too small or above quota.
And she wants more on-board cameras to ensure that crews cannot cheat on fishing rules.
She told BBC News that the hoped-for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy could not happen unless fishermen harnessed new technology.
Spy-in-the-wheelhouse CCTV cameras trialled in the UK are said to have cut cod discards from 38% to just 0.2%.
Fishermen on the trial are obliged to land all the cod they catch, whatever the size. They have been rewarded with increased quotas and permitted extra days at sea.
Ms Damanaki says cameras will be essential – especially for the biggest boats – if the EU adopts a policy of zero fish discards.
Smart nets
The other key technology is fishing net design, which Ms Damanaki says is the single most important component of fisheries reform.
At the North Sea Centre in the Danish port of Hirtshals, fishery technologists are testing new styles of nets which may answer her prayer.
Fishing crews travel here to learn about smart nets which separate catches by new designs.
One innovation is a slanting plastic grid at the centre of a trawl net. Large fish are diverted by the grid into the keep end of the net whilst young fish and shrimps pass through the slots. The grid is bendable so it can be wound up with fishing gear.
CCTV has been installed on some fishing boats in the UK
The bendy grid costs around £2,000 – a sum which prompted British fishermen visiting Hirtshals to laugh out loud.
But Mrs Damanaki told me she hopes to subsidise the cost of new technology for small boats by 85%. The bendy grid may prove the difference between being allowed to fish and being kept out of the water.
The Rollerball net is another recent arrival. Traditional beam trawlers seeking flatfish drag heavy gear along the sea bed, churning up the sand and destroying much that lies in their path.
Rollerball runs over the seabed on what look like beach-balls. It is said to reduce damage and drag by between 11 and 16%, and there are hopes for further improvements. Cutting drag also trims fuel bills and pollution.
Embracing change
Mike Montgomerie from the UK quango Seafish introduces crews to the latest technologies at Hirtshals. He said: “In the past few years I have noticed a real change among crews. They are hearing that the public won’t put up with wasteful fishing any more, and a lot of them are embracing change.”
Ms Damanaki went further: “The most important (thing is) how we are going to implement selective gear so we can reduce unwanted catches. This is the most important element of the whole policy.”
The crews I met appeared to be accepting change rather than actually embracing it.
In Scarborough, Yorkshire, boat owner Fred Normandale said he resented the trial cameras on his trawler Emulator, but the trial made financial sense: “It feels like we are being spied on – I wouldn’t want the cameras to be mandatory,” he said. “I have only done it because they paid for it and made it worth my while in quotas and extra days at sea.”

His skipper, Sean Crowe, told me the spy cameras have changed the way he operates. “It makes you think more about where you are fishing. In the past if we brought up a lot of young fish we might have another haul to see what would happen. Now we move somewhere else and we check with other boats to see what they are bringing up.”
The on-board spy is a sophisticated system employing cameras; GPS; and infra-red and hydraulic sensors to monitor the winches. It produces a map of exactly where the boat has fished in the last two months, as well as evidence of what it has caught.
The kit costs £7,000, installation adds £2,000 and software puts on a further £300 a year.
Vested interests?
But the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which is running the trial, says this is still cheaper than human observers on boats – and much more effective, as the computer hard-drives hold far more information.
“A fisheries observer on a boat has one pair of eyes,” says Grant Course, head of the marine trials team. “With the cameras we can watch four areas of the boat at the same time, including the discards chute. We can see the fish being sorted. We really know what’s going on.”
The wheelhouse spy has been used for a decade in North America’s successful attempt to restore fisheries, but it may be resisted by some European governments.
The new net technologies are also effective, but the highly individual local conditions of fisheries may confound the sort of blanket technological rules that appeal to Brussels for ease of enforcement. A net that protects the environment in one fishery may not work well in another.
It will be hard for politicians to sort genuine complaints about inappropriate gear from the vested interest that has driven Europe’s fish stocks to their current depleted level.
Commission sources fear that France and Spain may accept the principle of a discards ban but raise sufficient technical objections over gear rules to render reform ineffective.
That, insists Ms Damanaki, must not be allowed to happen. But it is a sign of the changing times that the EU is no longer talking about whether fishing reform is necessary, but how it is achieved.