§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the environmental and health effects of effluent resulting from industrial-scale car paint spraying waste; what regulations govern the operation of such plants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryThe pollution most likely to result from industrial-scale car paint spraying is to air, the main pollutants being volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground level ozone and photochemical smog, and can cause a local smell problem; certain volatile organic compounds are toxic or carcinogenic. From 1 April this year, paint application in vehicle manufacturing where five tonnes or more of organic solvent is used per year will require authorisation under the local authority air pollution control system set up by part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Liquid effluents arising from industrial-scale car paint spraying are also subject to control. Discharges of effluent to sewer require the consent of the relevant water company; discharges to a watercourse require the consent of the National Rivers Authority. Where the application of paint in a manufacturing process is likely to produce 1,000 tonnes or more of special waste a year, the process will be subject to integrated pollution control which is enforced centrally by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution.