Brussels, 20/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The decision taken by the European Commission on 19 February to grant another three years for Polish coal-fired power stations to reduce their emissions of dangerous atmospheric pollutants has been met with concern by environmental and health NGOs. This derogation to the implementation of the directive on industrial emissions was requested by the Polish government as part of its national transition plan.
The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) fears that this exemption, “which will translate into thousands of tonnes more of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and dust being released into the atmosphere”, will increase the number of people suffering from chronic diseases, such as asthma and heart disease. “It is difficult to understand why the European Commission has approved a plan which goes against commitments in favour of cleaner air in the framework of the directive on the quality of the air (2008/50/CE)”. “A swift application of the limits would have solved the notorious problem of particulates in Poland”, said Julia Huscher of HEAL. Of the 73 power stations which have been granted the exemption, 59 are in areas where EU air quality standards are not met, the NGOs emphasise. (AN/transl.fl)