§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost to prevent or minimise and render 841W harmless the heavy metals and nickel sulphate released into air, water and land by the burning of orimulsion; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 24 November 1992]: The burning of orimulsion or other fuels at a power station requires an authorisation from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution (HMIP).
In granting authorisations, HMIP will have regard to the advice contained in the chief inspectors guidance note IPR1/1, "Large Boilers and Furnaces 50MW(th) and Over". This provides guidance on the techniques considered by the chief inspector to be appropriate to achieve the requirement set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to use the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost to prevent or minimise pollution.
A copy of the guidance note has been placed in the House Library.