HC Deb 19 October 1992 vol 212 cc221-2W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to set efficiency standards of between 95 and 100 per cent. efficiency for all electrostatic precipitators which will be operated by the power generators in conjunction with the burning of orimulsion; and if he will ensure that no power station can commence with the burning of orimulsion until such efficiency standards are fully met.

Mr. Maclean

The burning of orimulsion or other fuels at a power station requires an authorisation from HMIP. They set conditions and standards consistent with t he use of the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost to prevent or minimise pollution. These normally include limits on the concentration of particulate matter released, as this provides effective protection of the local environment and is easily checked. Efficiency standards for arrestment equipment may also be included, particularly if the process generates a significant amount of particulate matter.

I therefore do not propose to set efficiency standards for electrostatic precipitators. No power station will be authorised unless the enforcing authority considers that it will be able to comply with the conditions which would be included in the authorisation.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made by his Department on the levels of vanadium and nickel to be released into the atmosphere from the proposed burning of orimulsion at the Pembroke power station.

Mr. Maclean

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution (HMIP) is currently considering the application from National Power to burn orimulsion at Pembroke power station. HMIP has a duty to consider fully all available facts in coming to a decision on the determination of an application. In determining the application, an assessment of harm, and the question of limits and consents for releases, including vanadium and nickel, to all media are all being studied by HMIP, as are the techniques and cost implications for means of prevention.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to announce its decision on the National Power application to burn orimulsion at Padiham power station; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

HMIP has agreed to a request from National Power for an extension of the determination period so that they may present further information to assist its application. In agreeing to this extension, HMIP has indicated to National Power that on the information presented so far it does not believe that the burning of orimulsion at Padiham power station would be justified without further measures to protect the environment.