ESG Radio Newsletter 7th January 2015

Hi- the first of our 2016 broadcasts and we look ahead to the New Year with concerns for our environment, but also with optimism that the answers lie in finding and applying solutions. Together.

Some useful information for you: next DPC meeting will be on the 27th January at 9.30am Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall. This meeting will look at revised plans for Rosia Bay as well as the skyscraper Eurocity application among several others. While the full agenda details will emerge a week before the mtg, you can see possible inclusions by getting on the eplanning site via egov.gi – and setting yourself up with a name and password to log on and view all validated applications.

You can then select key dates for information on deadlines for objections, etc. It’s clear that many projects cause concerns in the community and its important that the Town Planners and the DPC hear these. This is the point of eplanning to be more inclusive and improve on information sharing – both ways. In the past it was extremely difficult to get information on any application as one had to physically go to Town Planning and spend hours poring through huge files and plans. This has now been replaced by online access to information. This is a huge step forward and we urge everyone to make use of this to help Gibraltar develop more collegiately. This has been a long-term ESG aim.

While more the remit of pure conservation and fishing lobbies, the ESG has also been approached by its members regarding the blatant raking and fishing off Waterport Terraces by Spanish fishing boats during the festive period. We shall be meeting with Government shortly to discuss their approach on this and share our members concerns.

Some movement on cross border pollution – we are pleased to confirm that questions sent by the ESG to MEPs Ashley Fox and Molly Scott Cato, with support from Sir Graham Watsons team and David Dumas QC of Hassan’s, have been tabled and published on the European Parliament website. We now await the Commissions response. The questions concern requesting an update on its monitoring of the Refinery and associated industry on compliance given the on-going excessive and poorly managed emissions, and, the need for an urgent timetable of investment by Spain to rectify Western Beach sewage contamination by la Linea municipality. More news on this once we have had the Commissions response.

Good news and on the actions by the Commission in response to Spanish environmental groups and citizen protest, is the stopping of plans for development of the Valdevaqueros zone in Tarifa, a protected area in its own right. This is great news at the start of the year. Lets hope the Commission can use its muscle on pollution issues in the Bay too.

On the LNG front of course 2015 saw several meetings and detailed discussions that we held with various project leaders. Our latest submission was yesterday for the Scoping Report, a precursor to the full EIA for the LNG storage plant. The ESG worked on this over Xmas and relayed points we believe need to be included under the EIA process.

The ESG thanks its members and the public in general for its support and interest in our efforts during 2015. Looking forward we shall continue working for our aims and objectives for a healthier Gibraltar and Bay area. You can find more details on our esg-gib.net website where you can also join up as well as read about our work over the years. Next newsletter will look at Gibraltar’s current status on energy use and its renewable energy plans.

Thanks for listening and wishing all a healthy and ever greener 2016!

ESG Radio Newsletter 12th November 2015

Hi there- midterm break over and election hustings are now well underway. The ESG has published its wish list along with several other NGOs and Associations. For those who still may not have seen or read our wish list you can find this on our website at esg-gib.net. It includes 15 separate areas we continue to monitor and lobby on.

The first is on Climate Change and the need to engage the community more widely with issues relating to this major global challenge. We call for public presentations on Gibraltar’s approach in addressing this important issue, which primarily involves choices and use of energy, waste and recycling management, transport and more. It is true to think that with the internet and social media more people are better informed, but in order for every country, however big or small, to meet what will become increasingly harder goals and targets to reach over the next few decades, communities must be on-board for these measures to succeed. For this, good information and collaboration is essential.

So no surprise then that our next headings include energy, pollution, traffic and recycling. We make recommendations and discuss issues from our perspective having tracked these in Gibraltar for over a decade. Others are waste, sewage treatment, bunkering and shipping, conservation, mobile masts and awareness and planning. Here, another important fact to highlight is the on-going Environmental Action and Management Plan, which transposes Gibraltar’s “Environmental Charter” into action and therefore an extremely important document. We should remember that the environment is not a side or singular issue and it affects every aspect of our lives. Therefore the action plan and its aims and timelines are critical in achieving a better environment and thus, a better quality of life for all. Many are still unaware of this Plan which is published on the Dept of Environments website. As an NGO we monitor the plan and any delays and lobby for an update of the plan to be published that will reflect actual timings on major projects.

Finally we understand that many in our community continue to be concerned about the threat to health from the Oil Refinery and associated petrochemical industries and the lack of a robust, cross border epidemiological study and confirm these critical issues are also contained in our Wish List.

The ESG is also preparing questions to be tabled in Brussels via Gibraltar’s MEPs on such matters as well as the unresolved issue of Western Beach.

As reported in the media the ESG has met with experts regarding the issue of LNG. We presented our concerns and heard some reassurances. We now await publication of more reports as well as the detailed analysis that will come from the EIA that will be publicly available as it goes through the DPC process. The issue, for us, is still open.

Finally and back to Climate Change – We had mentioned the possibility of a rally planned for the end of this month in support of a global movement urging world leaders to stand firm and do the right thing on climate change. However, as this date now coincides with our own elections locally we have decided to postpone the rally for the time being. Any updates will be published. Thanks to those who have already expressed an interest in taking part.

Thanks for listening, for more info email us at esg@gibtelecom.net

ESG Press Release
re new Bathing Water Quality standards in force
9th August 2015

The ESG would like to bring to the public’s attention the fact that bathing water monitoring has now entered a new phase in Europe, and is now also enforced in Gibraltar. Under Directive 2006/7/EC designated bathing waters now need to comply with new standards that are twice as strict as they were prior to 2015.

From the 17th July 2015 the Environmental Agency website displays a new format showing the monitoring regime and levels which are now in place. These are very different to the previous system and some explanation should be provided to the public: to explain how these will work in practice, this summer, and when determining whether a beach is safe to swim in or not.

The ESG regards these improvements as positive and hopes that all measures advocated under the Directive will soon follow. The Directive states that “information of a bathing site’s quality classification, the results of water quality monitoring, the site’s management measures and other relevant information is to be made readily available to the public, both through displays at the site and through the media and internet”. The changes advise that a new management scheme for each beach will be produced at the end of the 2015 bathing season.

There have been concerns that once the tighter legislation was in place, Western Beach could be closed to bathers. The only alternative to this would be for Brussels to ensure that EU Directives are implemented by Spain. The ESG would like to see another big push in Brussels by the Gibraltar authorities to rescue what is a highly popular family beach.

The group is continuing its work on this important social and environmental matter with its legal advisers and in Brussels too. It will report with more updates on this soon.

For more info on new Bathing Water Standards please visit Environmental Agency.gi.

Environmental Agency Information on New Bathing Water Standards:-

A new Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) was adopted on the 15th February 2006 and was transposed into Gibraltar law by the Environment (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations 2009.
Designated bathing waters now need to comply with new standards that are twice as strict as they were prior to 2015. The new directive only requires the monitoring of just two microbiological indicators of faecal contamination: E Coli and intestinal enterococci. This simplification reflects recognition that faecal material, for instance due to sewage contamination, is the primary health threat to bathers.
At the end of the 2015 bathing season, bathing sites will be classified into four categories: “excellent”, “good”, “sufficient”, or “poor”. These classifications will be based on an analysis of the sample results taken over the current bathing season and the preceding three years instead of a single year’s result as at present. This means that the classification will be less susceptible to bad weather or one-off incidents. Where the water quality is consistently good over a three year period, the frequency of sampling may be reduced. This new directive also requires member states to draw up management measures for each site to minimise the risks to bathers, based on an assessment of the sources that are likely to affect them.
Information on a bathing site’s quality classification, the results of water quality monitoring, the sites management measures and other relevant information to be made readily available to the public, both through displays at the site and through the media and internet.
bathing areas: Camp Bay, Little Bay, Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Sandy Bay and Western Beach

ESG Newsletter 30th July 2015 – (broadcast 6th August)

In todays newsletter we shall be looking at new EU bathing water standards; the long awaited EIA for the new power station – also news of a new Eco Park, which is a facility we have lobbied for under the Clean up Campaign and we shall also provide contact details for this year’s event-
So lets get started:

The ESG is now assessing the EIA papers for the new power station, which does not include any LNG aspects or storage issues. There are nevertheless a number of concerns we have that include: full impacts from design parameters, emissions, mitigation and stack monitoring, as well as the need to have incorporated the LNG factor into this round of assessments. More will be shared over the next few weeks especially as news continues to be made public by Government on this every few days. Meanwhile, a reminder that the public is invited to see all plans and EIA documents at the offices of Town Planning 3rd floor, Europort, and respond in writing to them with any comments, concerns or objections before the 14th August 2015. The EIA is now available online at the Town Planning website.

On another matter and quite topical is the enforcement of new EU bathing water standards, which means that we are now sampling and recording differently to how we have been doing for years with changes implemented from the 17th July this year. It means that standards have been tightened and what classifies as acceptable pollution has been significantly reduced. Indeed the environmental agency states that stds will now be twice as strict as they have been to date. The ESG has been contacted by members of the public asking how these new changes will work in practice. We share these concerns and note the Directive calls for all data and information on beaches to be provided on websites and at each site to ensure the public are kept fully informed of water quality at every beach. So more needs to be done but in spite of this, the ESG strongly welcomes the upgrading of water standards, which has been much needed in tackling chronicly polluted waters like Western Beach, for example.

It is a great shame that under these new standards there is a real risk of beach closure here given its record since 2010. The ESG is planning another push with its legal advisers and in Brussels to ensure that the announcements made by the Spanish authorities this year of a 6.5 million euro plan to rectify its sewage problems in the Bay, which includes La Linea, is implemented with some urgency. We must do all that is possible to rescue this popular family beach. It also follows that Gibraltar must set up its own sewage treatment plant too, which has already been agreed and announced by the local authorities.
You can find out more info on the new bathing water rules at the agencys’ site which is Environmental Agency.gi.

A new Eco Park for Gibraltar! This is great news of course. It is a key measure of our Clean up Campaign to address recycling needs locally. Perhaps a more central location would have been helpful – its important to inform the community about the location and all aspects of the operation – not everyone knows where 8 Flint Road is for instance – we wish the project every success, it is a complex business, and a massive logistical challenge. We shall visit the plant soon and update our members with further information – we also hope to see a strong marketing media campaign to encourage and inform the public about this ambitious step to make Gibraltar more environmentally responsible, and ultimately, to make it easier for us all to recycle our waste.

More teams have signed up for Clean up 2015, get in touch if you would like to take part – this years global day and weekend of action falls on the 19th September. Email us at esg@gibtelecom.net, call 200-48996 or mobile 54960000.

Thanks for listening!

Key Words: Nuclear Subs, LNG, Power Station, World Environment Day, Traffic, and Jellyfish

Its certainly been a busy few weeks on the environmental front- from nuclear subs to on going press exchanges in the media on the new power station and LNG; we have also seen a few changes underway regarding traffic management measures and heard the Minister for Transport announce on a television party political broadcast that an implementation plan on traffic and transport measures will soon be published. Everyone knows how the trickier aspects of the plan, to target core traffic problems and create real changes on the ground, requires political courage and public support. Lets hope for all our sakes that there will be sufficient quantities of both to move forward with these as fast as possible.

The ESG continues to raise its concerns directly with Government over the need for more information to be published regarding its full intentions for the new power station and all technical and safety reports supporting its decision.

Tomorrow sees World Environment Day celebrated in Gibraltar. This years theme is ”Consume with Care” – an ethos very closely tied with Reduce, Reuse Recycle. This mantra is one that we, as a group, have firmly supported via our Clean up the World campaign urging everyone to recycle and to think about their day-to-day actions. Of course with 7 billion of us and counting, individual actions MUST be accompanied by government policies and industry support. It was heartening to hear France’s latest pledge, for instance, confirming that all its supermarket chains have to donate unsold food stocks to charities, for animal feed, or towards energy production. It would no longer allow this precious resource to end up in landfill. Its incredible both that it was going to landfill and that it has taken legislation to change this –still, if that’s what is needed, then all other countries should follow. How about Gibraltar? With more of these common sense measures we could start turning the tide, much needs to be done.

It is well documented that at the going rate of consumption, three planets will be needed to meet the demands of a fast growing population, believed to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. Our Worlds resources should be shared more equitably, of that there is no doubt – how this can be achieved with our ruthless yet practical capital system of growth is hard to see but many will agree that the World Environment Day 2015 theme of Seven Billion Dreams – One Planet – Consume with Care – makes a lot of sense and should be strived for. Each of us has a role to play too and tomorrow will remind us just how to do this.

Check out the World Environment Day event at the Piazza tomorrow between 10am and 2pm marking this important date in the environmental calendar. The ESG will have a stall there too.

Many are already aware of the huge presence of jellyfish in our waters at this time. They have been largely absent in the recent past but may be here to stay for the summer. Do, therefore, watch out, if you need too cool off. Global warming, overfishing and human intervention – especially breakwaters that protect sandy beaches but provide a home for larvae – are all blamed.

Also, Western beach continues to record regular sewage readings on the bathing water data site operated by the Environmental Agency – so check out before you swim is the sensible motto this summer! Their website is environmental-agency.gi.

To learn more about the ESG please visit our website at: www.esg-gib.net call us on 200-48996, mobile 54960000 or email us with any enquiry to: esg@gibtelecom.net

ESG Radio Newsletter

Good day! In our last newsletter we stated that the UK elections were very clearly avoiding environmental issues, and focusing almost exclusively on the economy and National Health matters. The Green Party was obviously raising issues of longterm sustainability and climate change, but even they had to portray this through a traditional political platform or prism.

We were heartened therefore to hear discussions in our own “local House of Parliament” yesterday spending a few hours on local and regional environmental issues, at an informed level. This is important and welcomed by our group.

As an NGO we continue to report problems, lobby on key issues and raise awareness as much as we can.

With the summer almost upon us, here in Gibraltar, we become more sensitive to the environment we live in and the warmer weather worsens existing pollution problems which tend to hang around as well as become more acute in higher temperatures. This week we have rec’d reports via facebook as well as phone calls and emails from different corners of the Rock signalling that, while politicians, are at last talking about these issues together, on both sides of the house, action is still required to eliminate the known sources of pollution.

For example, the Dockyard has been incredibly busy these past few weeks with vessels lined up, but what has been an additional problem is that ships at quayside or in dry dock have had and continue to have their engines running. These smoky emissions are harmful to our health and similar to what is produced by power stations, burning, as they do, the same type of fuel. Ships obviously have to power their way in and out of the harbour but surely they must be ordered to switch off their engines and connect to the local electric grid when stationary?

We know the authorities are trying to deal with this problem but we shall continue to monitor and report this, as the situation is ongoing.

Talking about Western Beach– number of points here. Very pleased that the European Commission is publicly and formally acknowledging La Linea dumping sewage right into our coastline – but action is needed. Politics as usual is in the way of speedy solutions, but how much longer do we have to wait before something is done about this? Perhaps now the acknowledgment has been made, legal action is a real option for Gibraltar to force Spain, via the EU, to spend the money and make the infrastructural changes necessary. If you look at the environmental agency website you will see that a moderate but steady amount of sewage continues to appear at this beach. Also that data is at best 48 hours old, or 4 days old over weekends, meaning that should there be a spike at the time you are swimming, you will not know about it.

Check out other beaches water quality and make up your own mind. This is at environmentalagency.gi.

Interesting and welcome to hear senior political figures in Spain, from Podemos, concerned about Bay pollution. While not mentioning industrial pollution the shipping activity mentioned occurs from all major ports surrounding the Strait, which are clearly contributing towards a blanket of pollution in the area. This is a big problem, which must be acknowledged, …but can it be addressed?? We shall be issuing a separate press release on this soon.

Only this morning the Algeciras authorities are raising concerns with their Port about the heavy fumes affecting their town and community. Clearly port activity and economy is important to all communities in this region but health and safety of people and the environment is as important and one should not grow at the expense of the other.

Finally, yesterday’s DPC carried a number of interesting items. Some have been briefly commented in the main media but not all and we shall be writing further comments on this on our website which you can find at: esg-gib.net

Please get in touch if you want to become a member, make any enquiries or need information. We are grateful for donations and support for our work that is done entirely by volunteers. Our email is: esg@gibtelecom.net tel: 200-48996 or mobile 54960000. Thanks for listening!

ESG Newsletter Feb 12^th

Hello- some news on the green front – the ESG welcomes the publication of the Government “Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan” – or the STTPP. It’s well worth the read of two hours or so with several ideas on how to tackle hotspots, congestion issues and bring about clearer and calmer streets. As we said in our press release this week many of our transport problems have been detailed with measures proposed, that, if implemented, could begin to change existing transport options to healthier and more environmental choices. This will have the effect of reducing air and noise pollution levels on our streets and also benefit the planet and our purse!!

The public is invited to give feedback on the Plan and will hopefully do so. The idea about creating street metered parking zones to free these up from long-term street parking; introducing safe cycling routes; increase pedestrianisation in certain hotspots in town; the imminent use of the top of the city walls are just some of the examples of how we can move forward and away from chronic traffic problems in Gibraltar. Imagine how many more people will choose to walk or cycle with fewer cars on the roads? The issue of how the end of the runway road, once completed, will impact on overall traffic issues in the northern end of Gibraltar is still not fully understood according to the Plan. This would still require other measures such as Park and Ride and new bus services etc. No doubt tonight’s Viewpoint on GBC will explore these and other recommendations made by the Plan.

Another interesting issue coming up soon next weeks DPC meeting which takes place a little earlier this month – on the 18^th February, at the usual time of 9.30am. The agenda is online at the Town Planning website and the meetings are open to the public. Among agenda items of interest to the ESG is:  details provided on the Waterport Desalination Plant, a proposed Nursing Home at Both Worlds southern site, and a deployment plan presented by Gibtelecom for the 4G antenna service. The ESG has met with Gibtelecom and other Govt departments and agencies in the past few weeks and has been able to discuss matters of concern relating to existing and proposed mast installations and can confirm that discussions are going forward very positively.

As we enter pre-election period, we too, at the ESG, are getting our aims and objectives in order and will be holding a series of meetings with the main political parties to discuss in detail our concerns and recommendations.

Our Wish List has seen several upgrades recently as key issues are constantly evolving but we pledge to have our final document on our website by the end of the month and welcome discussion and questions from anyone with particular interest in any of the 14 subject areas concerned. These include: Climate Change, Energy, Environmental Action and Management Plan, Pollution, Traffic, Recycling and Litter, Waste, Sewage Treatment, Bunkering, Conservation, Mobile Phone Masts and Awareness, Planning, Cross Border Issues, Epidemiological Studies.

Please contact us at 200-48996, mobile 549600000 or email  esg@gibtelecom.net