01 May 2024

This 3-minute piece on Channel 4 News Is critical of the Environment Agency testing regime for bathing waters, because some test results are discounted. Blurb Earlier this year, an investigation by this programme led to calls for a change to the system that’s meant to warn swimmers in England about pollution linked to sewage. We […]

01 May 2024

A new, useful journal article, Forecasting bathing water quality in the UK: A critical review considers what an optimal framework for bathing water forecasting might look like. Abstract Climate change is altering rainfall patterns resulting in increasing variability and intensity of rainfall events worldwide. Increases to short duration, intense rainfall (i.e., convective rainfall), will lead […]

01 May 2024

The chief executive of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has issued a public statement to reiterate an “unwavering” support for robust governance when it comes to standard setting. The controversy followed claims that SBTi would recognise carbon credits as a way to “abate” scope 3 emissions. These indirect, value chain emissions usually make up […]

01 May 2024

Interesting piece in Construction Enquirer News Anglian Water, Heathrow, The Lower Thames Crossing, National Highways, Northumbrian Water and Sellafield have committed to scale-back use of the biggest contributors to CO₂ emissions – diesel, steel, and concrete. They are the first clients to sign up for the Construction Leadership Council’s “Five Client Carbon Commitments” designed to […]

01 May 2024

Interesting article in Smart Water Magazine, which looks at the implications of the new EU wastewater directive, approved by the European Parliament in April this year. The Directive covers the treatment requirements for the removal of micropollutants, i.e., substances present in very low concentrations. It proposes their removal through quaternary treatment in Article 8, mandatory […]

24 Apr 2024

Government announces next steps to ban the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic following overwhelming support during the consultation process World-leading legislation will be introduced this year to help tackle plastic pollution and clean up waterways Transition period set out for businesses to help them adapt The UK Government will introduce new world-leading […]

24 Apr 2024

Investigation by The Guardian The majority of UK dairy farms are breaking pollution rules, with vast amounts of cow manure being spilled into rivers. When animal waste enters the river, it causes a buildup of the nutrients found in the effluent, such as nitrates and phosphates. These cause algal blooms, which deplete the waterway of […]

24 Apr 2024

CIWEM interview with Richard Benwell is Chief Executive of nature umbrella Wildlife and Countryside Link. It touches on species decline and nature at risk, environmental concerns across society, the government’s bungled attempt to crush ‘nutrient neutrality’ rules and his hopes for the future.