Plasma Thermal Waste-to-Energy System in China

October 11, 2013

PEAT International, Inc., ("PEAT") a leader in plasma-thermal waste destruction systems, announced the successful commissioning of a Plasma Thermal Destruction and Recovery ("PTDR") system in Shanghai, China. The 60 kg/hr system - designed for medical waste and oil refinery sludge - was installed for Abada Plasma Technology Holdings, Ltd. - an Asian-based renewable energy project developer.

PEAT's PTDR "single stage" plasma-thermal process transforms hazardous waste through molecular dissociation at 1,500°C (2,732°F) into recoverable, non-toxic end-products,  synthetic gas and heat (sources for energy recovery), metals and a vitrified glass matrix.

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Woods Institute for the Environment funds seven global research projects

October 9, 2013

The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment has announced its latest crop of Environmental Venture Projects (EVP), each of which will receive funding over the next two years to tackle significant environmental issues worldwide.

The grants for the seven projects total nearly $1.25 million. The selection process aimed to identify interdisciplinary research—with faculty members coming from fields as diverse as anthropology and physics—that sought practical solutions to global problems.

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Michigan studies plan to ease rules on air emissions

October 10, 2013

Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration is considering major changes to the way Michigan regulates air emissions — a potentially cost-reducing initiative that pleases industry but has some environmental groups concerned about the potential health impact on residents.

Last month, an air quality committee composed of industry representatives, environmental groups and state officials recommended cutting the number of chemicals subject to air emissions limitation rules by 37 percent — to 756 from more than 1,200.

It’s a move state Department of Environmental Quality officials argue brings Michigan in line with most other states. The state currently tracks more chemicals than are required by the federal government — leading Michigan to share the distinction with Texas of regulating more chemicals than the rest of the states across the country.

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Satellite imagery busts tanker in Land's End pollution case

October 9, 2013

In a landmark hearing last Friday the owner of a tanker that polluted the sea off Land’s End has been prosecuted using satellite image evidence.

It is the first time that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has used such images as evidence in a hearing, anywhere in the country.

It has led to the tanker owner being ordered to pay £22,500 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to a breach of UK maritime pollution legislation at Truro’s Magistrates’ Court.

On February 25 last year a satellite operated by European Maritime Safety Agency detected a ship trailing a slick in the waters between Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly, and a report was made to the MCA. The ship was identified as the Singapore registered tanker Maersk Kiera. The slick was within 12 miles of land.

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