Agency struggles with IPPC guidance on inorganic chemicals

摘要

The diversity of the inorganic chemicals sector and the lack of EU guidance on it have left the Environment Agency with little scope to offer concrete advice in its draft guidance for the integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) regime. Meanwhile, the Agency is in negotiations with chlorine producers over the phase-out of mercury cells, with the possibility that some may be in service long after a 2010 deadline set under an international agreement. Most companies operating inorganic chemicals activities must submit an IPPC application by December - although a handful, including titanium dioxide manufacturers, have until August 2005. The draft guidance is intended to set out the best available techniques (BAT) for control of polluting emissions.