Dutch work programme for environmental measures in wood preserving industry

IRG/WP 93-50001-30

P Pasveer, H Militz, W J Homan

Since the carly eighties, it has emerged that somewhat severe environmental problems exist in a significant number of wood-impregnating plants. Regular, structural emissions of such materials as hydrocarbons, and e.g. substances defined as requiring urgent attention, occur into the air, soil and water, including groundwater. This has been established by various investigations and an orientative industrial sector study conducted by order of V.R.O.M. (Dutch Ministry of Housing, Town, Physical Planning and the Environment) together with the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs. In addition, the Regional Inspectorates for the Environment conducted a systematic enforcement action in 1986 under the name "Houtverduurzamingsslag" (operation woodpreservation). The results of this study also illustrated the seriousness of the environmental problems within this branch of industry. As a result, this was sufficient cause to initiate consultations with VHN, the Association of Wood-Impregnation of certain environmental aspects of the wood-impregnation branch. Representatives of water quality management bodies, VNG (the Association of Dutch Municipal Authorities) and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs were also involved in the discussions. In consultation with the above discussion partners, an integrated package of environmental regulations has been developed for wood-impregnation plants that use the vacuum-pressure process. An agreement was also reached on a work programme. The wood-impregnating industry associated in VHN will comply with the priorities and time schedule for implementing the measures described in the Environmental Regulations. The authorities responsible may implement the Environmental Regulations when reviewing the industrial licences they grant under the Hinderwet (Dutch Public Nuisance Act) for companies in this sector. The Environmental Regulations aim at minimizing the environmental effects arrising from industrial processes and storage activities where the plant is situated. Implementation of the measures described in the Environmental Regulations will result in working methods that are acceptable with respect to the environmental aspects. The Environmental Regulations are included in Annex 1, entitled "Environmental Regulations for Timber Impregnating Companies".


Keywords: WOOD PRESERVATION; ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION; POLLUTION CONTROL; NETHERLANDS

Conference: 93-02-08/09 Cannes-Mandelieu, France


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