• Today marks the end of March 2011– Time certainly doesn’t hang about and in this frenetic pre-election year we seem to be pushing forward at breakneck speed in every direction!

• The ESG welcomes the fact that this week’s newsletter contains positive news as well as our usual gripes, so let’s start with some good news!

• Many of you will already be aware of the sudden announcement by the La Linea Mayor of the planned reparations to their collapsed sewage system aiming to have works completed by the middle of June!! This is brilliant news for the thousands of beach users who hope to be able to use Western Beach this year but only time and monitoring of the area will tell if it will be clean and safe enough to use. On this occasion the combined efforts of beach users, NGO’s, agencies, Govt, cross border NGO co-operation and MEP support appears to have delivered a solution!! I mention all these because this is what it has taken to finally see appropriate action by the La Linea Ayuntamiento.  Just shows what can be achieved when communities pull together. Perhaps this heralds a change in our environmental fortunes? Let’s hope so!

• Not even a few days had elapsed when we read in the local media that the European Commission had finally conceded shortcomings at the CEPSA Oil Refinery– well, our first official complaint was laid before the Commission in 2002! – Three Commissioners later, numerous petitions, trips to Brussels, and investment in time and energy and finally we get their agreement about the problems present at the plant. We are extremely happy about this result and are planning to celebrate this achievement as well as the next steps with increasing confidence.

• We have also seen in practice the benefits of having a voice in Brussels via our MEPs and today the ESG will be meeting another of our representatives, Conservative MEP Julie Girling. We shall take the opportunity to also brief her in full on regional environmental issues and hope in future we will also be able to count on her support in Brussels.

• On other matters the ESG has welcomed the announcement by Government of the contract for the new Power Station. It is desperately overdue and if the three aging power stations are shut down immediately the new station is operational, we should see wide spread improvements in our air and noise quality which will bring great benefits to all.

• Sadly, we are nowhere near there yet and the ESG was shocked to see a “healthy” playground, (a pavement work-out ensemble), set up immediately in front of the spewing chimneys of the MoD and OESCO power stations- an area known to be an environmental hotspot with pollutants measured at levels considered harmful to health. We therefore call upon Govt to rectify this slip-up without delay and mothball this so-called healthy play park. We shall also be raising awareness in the nearby residential areas for people not to use this equipment until such time as the stations are removed.

• This week saw a lengthy article in the Chronicle by Breast Cancer Support Group giving their views on breast cancer rates and the recently published Epidemiological Study carried out in Gibraltar. Please also look out in the media for the ESG article titled “Epidemiological Study – What now?” which you can also find on our website: www.esg-gib.net

Thanks for listening-

“The ESG has campaigned for nine long years to see our aging and heavily polluting power stations replaced due to the severe air and noise pollution produced at each site as a by-product of the electricity generated.

This week’s news of a contract being awarded by Government with detailed breakdown of works involved, expected costs and timeline is brilliant news and something we have been waiting to hear for a long time. We hope that the schedule for completion is this time adhered to strictly and that the three power stations are closed and decommissioned without further delay, as soon as the new power station is operational. This would alleviate the long standing problems suffered by residents around the three power stations of heavy noise and pollution.

Clearly fossil fuel reliance for Gibraltar’s’ energy needs on a long-term basis is not a position supported by the ESG. The group sees the new power station as a critical and important step for immediate environmental and health benefits for the community and surrounding environment, but believes that once in place, the focus should move towards the sourcing of biofuel (such as biodiesel, waste vegetable oil, or natural gas from anaerobic breakdown of sewage and domestic waste) as fuel for the new power station, with which it could operate with little or no changes to its engines depending on the biofuel used.

Given the land restrictions and limited size of Gibraltar this might be a more viable short and medium term sustainable solution for energy production. The new power station can therefore also be part of the move to renewable energy production if it is operated with the right fuels and conditions.”

Hi, today is a full on environmental action and promotion day! We start the day off by meeting a journalist from El Pais, one of Spain’s leading national newspapers, to discuss environmental issues affecting the Bay. We shall, as always, strive to present an accurate and balanced picture of regional problems on both sides of the border. If the article is published we shall inform the community – it’s a chance to promote clear and accurate information of the bays real environmental issues out in the Spanish mainland and we won’t miss this opportunity. 

After this we shall be holding an information stall outside the Cathedral in support of the “No! To Sewage at sea!” Campaign, regarding ongoing contamination and closure of Western Beach. We shall be issuing information that today, our MEP Graham Watson will be taking action on our behalf in Brussels presenting both the close to three thousand signature petition to the European Petitions Committee and the Official Complaint prepared by the ESG to the Directorate DG at the Commission itself. Both submissions are demanding urgent action and a resolution to this problem. We thank Mr Watson for his efforts and wish him luck in getting a meaningful outcome in Brussels; we certainly know that won’t be easy! Incidentally, the petition continues and if you haven’t yet signed you have another chance today so please come along, between 1pm and 2.30pm outside the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned where we shall be very pleased to see you.

Moving on, and this evening sees a Viewpoint Programme discussing the environmental impact and viability of the new Gibraltar airport. Should be an interesting debate with the panel discussing Airline, Tourism, Business and Environmental issues. Do watch the programme, or better still, why not phone in with your point of view- after all these programmes are designed to inform and involve the public.

We would like to end this broadcast with a reference to the news in the Spanish press about a week ago that the Gibraltar govt had already decided Eastside Bunkering was to go ahead. Whether the Spanish press are accurately reporting on the story or not, this theory is more than substantiated in the little circulated new Port Handbook which carries various references to expanding business, and business opportunity in the east side. Another detailed reference to this expansion can be found in a highly detailed profile article on Gibraltar in the UK’s Guardian in January of this year, which shone a spotlight on the many economic pillars on the rock and bunkering was deemed a major and growing earner.  With the EIA not even completed on the proposed east side bunkering, and government and industry appearing to be moving full speed ahead in touting for extra business, it will be difficult to put the brakes on this business, but we surely intend to try.

As for the reasons why? Well, you can read about this in some detail in an in depth interview we gave Panorama which will be published tomorrow –Friday.

As usual, please visit our website for more news on these stories and other issues concerning the environment: on esg-gib.net –

I frequently meet people who have caught the odd ESG broadcast here and there and who would like to catch up on all the news stories we promote- if you are one such person and are catching us by chance today, by visiting our website you can download a members form and once registered,  will receive copies of all broadcasts and press statements  as they are released ensuring that you are kept as up to date as possible on all the local environmental issues the ESG considers are of utmost importance to the community. Don’t forget, check it out today, on esg-gib.net.   All for now, and thanks for listening-

3^rd March 2011

 The ESG would like to inform the Gibraltar community that today (Thursday 3^rd March) will see our MEP Graham Watson deliver both the “No! To Sewage at Sea!” Petition and Complaint file on the sewage discharge into Western Beach area to the relevant sectors within the European Commission.

The ESG shall today support beach users and concerned citizens at an information stall to inform people about this problem and also help promote the action being taken on our behalf by Mr Watson in Brussels.

The stall will be set up outside the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned during 1.00pm to 2.30pm.

ESG radio newsletter Thursday 17^th February 2011

Today’s newsletter is brimming with news- there are a couple of global stories which are important to share with you as well as a few topical ones, so let’s get started. Here’s some advance warning of what is on the menu today – we shall talk about: Anti-whaling success in the Antarctic- about a potential blow to renewable energy and new technology for oil. About CEPSA buy-out, yes you heard right – we shall also discuss the possible arrival of another electric car campaign visiting the Rock, as well as Solar powered parking meters, and a brief look at the Sewage issue at Western Beach.  

First though to the Antarctic and the Japanese Whalers Scientific Expeditions- this weeks Independent online reports that this year’s harvest of 1,000 whales by the Japanese Whalers only possible under a legal loophole,  has been interrupted by the sustained and brave efforts of activists with the NGO, the Sea Shepherd. It seems the whaling ships have pulled out from the area but it’s not clear if it’s a decoy or permanent move. Amidst stories from Wikileaks and threats by the Japanese Govt, it’s unclear whether the Sea Shepherd will succeed in seeing a moratorium prevail on this illegal whaling. It won’t stop them from trying and we send them our thanks and best of luck in their endeavours. Visit independent online under nature for the full report.

We mentioned news of a technological breakthrough in accessing oil. While being seen as great news by the industry, new drilling methods known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking means that many dead oil fields could now spring into life allowing difficult to get at reserves to be accessed. For business and energy security in many countries in the short term, this will be seen as extremely good news. But what does this mean for global warming? For necessary and rapid investment in renewable energy? For public and environmental health and wildlife protection? I would urge you to visit two sites to get both sides of the story: See foxnews.com on the positives for industry and energy security, while the Bucket Brigade Site, under: GCMonitor.org reveals the serious impact such methods are already having in the States on people’s lives and on the resulting contamination of the natural environment.

News that an Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund has purchased the CEPSA Petrochemical Company which includes the nearby and heavily polluting Oil Refinery has really raised eye brows locally. Clearly this development has to be monitored and our group will be discussing this in some detail to see what this change will bring if any, to environmental compliance at the local plant. We shall be reacting separately to this development. Watch this space!

On renewable energy we have a couple of items of news for you: the ESG has been contacted by French campaigners supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, who are carrying out a world wide campaign to promote electric cars via a “round the world race”- there is a strong chance that one or more cars, will be visiting the Rock tomorrow on a northbound journey through Europe. If so we shall meet the visitors and ensure they know that Gibraltar is interested in alternative and clean transport! Also on the subject of energy the ESG is delighted to see the solar powered parking meters going up at Landport Ditch- we strongly believe that such micro-technologies should be used widely to take advantage of our sunny weather and reduce our oil consumption – this is a positive step!

Finally, we would like to thank MEP Graham Watson for his special visit to Gibraltar last week where he received a petition and official complaint from the ESG and concerned citizens about the high sewage contamination off Western Beach. Mr Watson has since written to the ESG saying that he thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to all those at the protest pledging his full support to do whatever he can to help resolve this situation.

We shall of course, keep you updated with further news on this and other issues.

That’s it for now, for ongoing updates and news plse visit our website: www.esg-gib.net

“Reaction to Protest:”

ESG is delighted with yesterday’s turn-out at the Western Beach Protest. Easily surpassing numbers at previous actions, the group was very encouraged by the support expressed by the crowd as well as the clear commitment given by MEP Graham Watson who vows to seek assistance from Brussels. The ESG believes the presence of the small but determined group on the Spanish side of the border made up of members of the AGADEN and VERDEMAR Spanish environmental groups highlight the cross border nature of this problem and how it affects us all. Let’s hope that all efforts will secure a speedy resolution to this problem.

“RE CEPSA Campaign”:

On another important ESG Campaign, the group met with the MEP at Hassan’s law firm hosted by David Dumas QC. The agenda focused on the ongoing battle to clean up the Oil Refinery in the Bay and accelerate compliance with environmental legislation. The MEP presented some very interesting and robust ideas to the team on how matters can be taken further within the European Commission with his continued assistance.  David Dumas also presented some ideas on legal actions.

These options will now be worked on by the ESG and it is expected that further developments will take place before the summer. This is a situation that requires a sustained campaign. 

At the meetings conclusion the ESG presented the MEP with a file containing an official complaint to the European Commission on the cross border sewage issue off Western Beach.

As if to highlight how important it is for the ESG to continue to press for higher environmental safety standards at the petrochemical installation,  only this week La Junta de Andalucía found it necessary to issue a public alert on the serious levels of hydrogen sulphide  found near Guadarranque, a dangerous chemical if present at certain levels. It is likely that the leak came from the Oil Refinery. For the Junta to actually issue an alert one can only guess at how serious the incident must really have been and the ESG intends to investigate this further with colleagues across the border.

“We shall, as always, inform the community when we have further information”, finished the ESG.

The ESG would like to inform the community that MEP Graham Watson, will be visiting the Rock on the 10th February and will in the course of his visit be focusing on two key environmental issues.

The MEP will first meet with the ESG and David Dumas QC of Hassans International Law Firm, to discuss the ongoing official complaint in Brussels regarding environmental compliance by CEPSA Oil Refinery and the ever expanding petrochemical complex in the Bay.

The ESG will then accompany Mr Watson to Western Beach where a protest will be held on both sides of the border as from 6pm.  Citizens and environmental groups will demand that urgent action is needed to stop raw sewage being discharged into the area by the La Linea authority, which has resulted in indefinite beach closure (see link http://www.environmental-agency.gi/beachresult.php?beachid=6 for levels of contamination in this area).

Spanish Environmental groups are hoping to hold a parallel protest on their side of the border at the same time given this pollution is also affecting their marine environment and citizens too.

A clear cross border issue, we are hoping this problem can receive maximum assistance from the visiting MEP. Mr Watson will receive a petition by beach users and NGO’s for the Petitions Committee at the European Parliament, as well as a dossier and official complaint by the ESG which the MEP can submit to the Commission itself.

It is expected the protest will last half an hour or so – the ESG urge everyone concerned to be there on time.”

PLEASE SIGN THE FOLLOWING PETITION ON NO! TO SEWAGE AT SEA IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONE SO-

FOLLOW THIS LINK AND PASS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY  AND COLLEAGUES :-  

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no_to_sewage_at_sea/

Today’s newsletter will include local environmental issues affecting us all- there’s no doubt that the environment is being discussed a lot these days as indeed it should. In fact the ESG hopes that televised debates on environmental issues will be scheduled into the GBC timetable to ensure that recent developments are debated openly and reflected upon in some depth. Among these I include the Epidemiological study findings and ongoing process and of course the published Environmental Action and Management Plan.

This latest publication has been greatly anticipated by our group who has lobbied for an Environmental policy, Charter and indeed Action Plan of implementation for many years now. We are issuing a press release today with our reaction on how we believe this Plan sets out Governments intention or otherwise of addressing key environmental issues in Gibraltar. This will also be posted on our website which is: esg-gib.net

Regarding other issues clearly our electricity problems are riding somewhat high in terms of importance and impact but it is simply a development that we knew would occur because remedial action was not taken when it should. While our technical people address the immediate issue of restoring a stable power supply, the urgency of a replacement power station, compliant with all EU laws cannot be understated and we expect to hear from our Government soon on when this will be started.

Another side to this of course is our thoughtless use of energy. How vulnerable we are when all our appliances are reliant on external power supply.  How complacent we have become in our use of energy indeed for our work and our entertainment. Also and importantly the need to use resources such as electricity and water with care- The recent breakdown in power supply gives us all a good chance to look around our offices and homes and see how much unnecessary use of energy goes on in our lives and reduce consumption and make a difference.

Moving on to CEPSA and another of our core issues- we were somewhat surprised to hear GBC announce recently that the European Parliament and Commission were making statements about CEPSA emissions and health issues. The ESG plans to sit with MEPs soon to review all these issues in depth and plan a strategy to ensure onward compliance with environmental regulation by large industries in the Bay.

A reminder finally about Western Beach and Sewage pollution – we urge everyone who hasn’t yet signed the petition to do so online- visit our ESG website and you can do this with ease- also please ask your family and friends to do so too. The next protest is planned for the 10^th Feb at 6pm at the beach and we are pleased to announce that our Spanish environmental colleagues Agaden and Verdemar hope to hold a parallel protest on the other side of the border to show solidarity on an issue which also affects their citizens and environment. We sincerely hope that these measures will help bring about change and get the beach cleaned up.

This will only happen if citizens support such actions and this is a direct appeal to you listening today to support the protest, and help us solve this problem. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for listening!!