Memorandum submitted by Allan G Norman
(AQ09)
1. I would wish to draw to the Committee's
attention the view of many people in Port Talbot (the most polluted
town in Wales) that there is no truly independent body that will
present the truth about air quality to the people.
2. The recent example of the granting of
a licence to Prenergy for a large woodchip power station in the
town shows quite clearly that the Environment Agency sees one
of its primary responsibilities under the Environment Protection
Act 1995 as "to make a contribution towards attaining the
objectives of achieving sustainable development" as determined
by ministers, even when the ministers are obviously wrong. It
has accepted dubious computer modelling data and set spurious
limitations on the pollution arising from the new plant that it
knows cannot be achieved by the company in the knowledge that
the source of the PMs or PAHs cannot be proven. Therefore, no
action will be taken against the company even if the pollution
in the town exceeds even more the guidelines set by Europe and
the UK government. There is a complete lack of trust in the Environment
Agency.
3. Fear of the potential loss of jobs should
too much pressure be put on Corus regarding air pollution means
also that the local council and the Welsh Assembly do all in their
power to obfuscate the true state of air pollution in the town.
4. The people of Port Talbot do not appreciate
being treated like children. It is quite possible that the town
will shortly be the site of some 7 power stations—3 biomass
& 2 Gas stations in the town and a further 2 within the Corus
site. No right-minded person would accept that this is appropriate
for such a small area which includes the M4 and the affects of
sea spray. The air quality will inevitably deteriorate even further.
The people of Port Talbot feel helpless. Their health and that
of their children is at severe risk.
10 December 2009
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