HC Deb 13 March 1996 vol 273 cc613-4W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his Department has carried out on the possible environmental impact of a major orimulsion spillage on land or sea. [19250]

Mr. Clappison

In 1992 a research study was carried out on behalf of the Department of the Environment which reviewed the impacts of orimulsion and the pollution abatements technologies which may be applied to orimulsion-fired boilers.

Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has not commissioned any research on the polluting effects of orimulsion.

Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what reports(a) his Department and (b) the Environmental Agency have evaluated regarding the environmental consequences of (i) the leak or spillage of orimulsion into seas or rivers and (ii) the operation of wind and rain on the gas generated by orimulsion. [19647]

Mr. Clappison

In 1992 a research study was carried out on behalf of the Department of the Environment which reviewed the impacts of orimulsion and the pollution abatements technologies which may be applied to orimulsion-fired boilers.

The Environment Agency does not come into being until 1 April. However, Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution which will form part of the agency has evaluated reports from National Power regarding the possible effects of the gases released after abatement from the proposed burning of orimulsion at Pembroke power station. These reports are available on the public registers. Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is also carrying out its own modelling into the dispersion of the potential releases from the plant. In addition Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is evaluating reports from Milford Haven Port Authority, which outlines the likely effects of a spillage of orimulsion into the Haven of up to 1,000 tonnes.