New APEAMembers

assessment methods mean that there is the potential for considerable variation in risk evaluations.

This gives rise to inconsistencies and difficulties for the regulators in determining whether or not a particular risk assessment is sufficiently protective of human health. To address these issues and to take into account the riskbased approach of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Acts (in which land contamination is a material planning consideration), a significant change to current UK practice is needed.

The Environment Agency has therefore prepared a consultation paper on the principles for assessing the health risks from petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soil. The consultation paper introduces the need for change, summarises the approaches used internationally and proposes a way forward, outlining the key issues requiring input from consultees.

Views are sought on the proposed approach and on the practical application of different analytical and risk assessment methodologies. Responses are required by 3 October 2003.

The consultation paper can be accessed at: www.environmentagency.gov.uk/com mondata/105385/petroleum_hydrocarb ons1.pdf.

UK, Rochdale, July 29 2003. Fuel scam sparks red alert

A fuel-laundering plant believed to have produced hundreds of thousands of litres of untaxed diesel has been discovered dangerously close to one of Rochdale's main reservoirs.

It was discovered by officers of the Environment Agency while they were trying to trace the source of leaking sulphuric acid, which was threatening to run into Greenbooth Reservoir. The Agency alerted Customs and Excise, who later confirmed that the yard at the old Rainshore Mill, Norden, had been used to extract the red dye from lowtaxed agricultural diesel, which could then be sold on at huge profit for road use.

A trailer holding eight 1,000-litre drums had been abandoned in the yard and one of the drums was leaking badly. Had it not been found, the acid, used to extract the dye from fuel, would have eventually found its way into the reservoir. The potential timebomb was uncovered last Thursday and Matthew King, of Customs and Excise, said, "Fortunately, the acid which was seeping out of one of the drums had not reached the reservoir and the Environment Agency were able to clean it up before it did any real damage. The gang carrying out the switch would have made enormous profits from the scam, which involves mixing red diesel with acid to remove the dye.” Mr King added, "After a while the resulting acid sludge has to be got rid of and is very often dumped without concern for the public or the environment."

Customs officers believe the people behind the operation may have local knowledge of the area and their inquiries are continuing. "We do not know just how long the trailer had been there, but it was a significant find as far as we're concerned. The laundering operation had been producing several hundred thousand litres of fuel a week. Unfortunately, laundered fuel is becoming more and more common. In one case we found some acid dumped next to a children's playground. The trailer with the acid will have now been taken away from Norden by the Environment Agency to be disposed of safely." Mr King added, "We would ask local residents to help us. If anyone knows about any suspicious activities, particularly if you have been offered cheap diesel or have seen any unusual movement of tankers around Over Town Lane, we ask them to call our confidential 24-hour free phone 0800 59 5000.”

Emergency services were put on full alert after last Thursday's acid spill. Fire crews were able to prevent the acid reaching the reservoir, 400 yards away, and United Utilites confirmed none of the acid had got into the water.

UK, Revolutionary petrol engine could replace conventional batteries

Scientists have built the smallest petrol engine - tiny enough to power a watch.

The mini-motor, which runs for two years on a single squirt of lighter fuel, is set to revolutionise world technology. It produces 700 times more energy than a conventional battery despite being less than a centimetre long - not even half an inch. It could be used to operate laptops and mobile phones for months on end - doing away with the need for recharging. Experts believe it could be phasing out batteries in such items within just six years.

The engine, minute enough to be balanced on a fingertip, has been produced by engineers at the University of Birmingham. Dr Kyle Jiang, lead investigator from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: "We are looking at an industrial revolution happening in peoples' pockets. The breakthrough is an enormous step forward. Devices which need recharging or new batteries are a problem but in six years will be a thing of the past."

At present, charging an ordinary battery to deliver one unit of energy involves putting 2,000 units into it. The little engine, because energy is produced locally, is far more effective.

One of the main problems faced by engineers who have tried to produce micro motors in the past has been the levels of heat produced. The engines got so hot they burned themselves out and could not be re-used. The Birmingham team overcame this by using heat-resistant materials such as ceramic and silicon carbide. Professor Graham Davies, head of the university's engineering school, said: "We've brought together all the engineering disciplines, both materials, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering."

UK, Herefordshire Council V Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited

On the 16th September 2003 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited pleaded guilty to three offences under Petroleum Legislation, and sentenced to pay a fine of £12,500 and ordered to pay £865.76 in costs.

The case was brought to Hereford Magistrates Court by Herefordshire Council's Trading Standards Service acting as the Petroleum Licensing Authority for the County. Sainsbury's Supermarket Limited back in September last year wished to redevelop their Hereford City superstore along with a petrol filling station refurbishment. They commissioned a project development company to undertake the job who would then subcontract specialist work