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South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
NRW launches scheme to tackle farm plastic pollution
The scheme, launching in south Wales, focuses on farm plastics that often end up in rivers, posing a threat to wildlife and water quality. It is part of the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Four Rivers for LIFE project and is being delivered in partnership with Agriculture Plastics Environment (APE), Birch Farm Plastics, and Afonydd Cymru. Chris Thomas, senior land management officer for Four Rivers for LIFE, said: "Farm plastics have been found in the Teifi, Tywi and Cleddau rivers and contribute to the overall environmental issues affecting their health. "Healthy rivers support more than just farmers and the environment – they also help communities thrive and grow. "Rivers can only fully perform this function and support farmers if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste." Farmers and landowners will be able to recycle plastics such as silage wrap at reduced cost at drop-off centres located across the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau, and Usk river catchments. These rivers are designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) due to their international importance for species including salmon, lamprey, shad, and otters. Drop-off centres will be available at livestock markets and other sites in Talsarn near Lampeter, Crymych, Llandovery, Sennybridge, Raglan, and potentially Carmarthen. Ian Creasey of APE said: "Learning from successful markets in Europe, 'drop off centres' significantly help farmers in recycling their used farm plastics, and is a key focus of this trial. "This scheme is dedicated to supporting farmers to recycle their agricultural plastics, and by so doing help protect these rivers from potential plastics pollution." A 2023 report by WRAP found that the UK's agricultural plastic recycling rate is just 20 to 30 per cent, far lower than Germany (65 per cent), France (80 per cent), and Ireland (90 per cent). A survey conducted by West Wales Rivers Trust in 2024 revealed that cost remains one of the main barriers preventing farmers from recycling silage plastic waste. Cheryl Birch of Birch Farm Plastics said: "While we continue to collect directly from farms throughout Wales, by increasing the number of drop-off centres, we aim to increase the recycling rates of agricultural polythene and, through the collaboration with Four Rivers for LIFE and APE, provide a lower-cost option to farmers using the service." The Four Rivers for LIFE Project is funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from the Welsh Government and Welsh Water. Details of eligible materials and drop-off locations are available at the Four Rivers for LIFE website.
Edmonton Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
'Death by a thousand cuts': Solar industry feels held back by 'discriminatory' rules
Regulations targeting Alberta's solar industry are hindering its ability to flourish, argues one industry organization. Article content According to Solar Alberta executive director Heather MacKenzie, the organization's members are concerned 'they're being hit with more discriminatory rules and protocols,' on top of existing regulations. Article content Solar Alberta's members comprise around 200 individuals and more than 159 businesses in the province. Article content Article content 'Albertans continue to adopt solar at a huge rate,' said MacKenzie, noting that tens of thousands of homes and businesses are using solar in the province. Article content Article content The long-term trajectory is toward more solar adoption, MacKenzie said, adding that 'we need to get back on track.' Article content 'But yet again . . . more discriminatory legislation that treats renewables differently than other forms of development, is harsher and disadvantages renewables in the context of other forms of development,' said MacKenzie. Article content The province's Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations was updated in January to reflect findings of an inquiry conducted from August 2023 to February 2024, during the province's pause on new renewables development. Article content A mandatory 'security' for renewables on private land is included under the code of practice, requiring solar and wind operators to provide financial means for future decommissioning and reclamation developments. Article content Article content 'Alberta prides itself on being a global leader in land stewardship and reclamation and we're confident other jurisdictions will follow our leadership,' read an emailed statement from a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. Article content Article content The statement also noted that the 'requirements are reasonable and ensure that Alberta taxpayers aren't left on the hook for cleaning up wind and solar farms' that reach end of life. Article content 'Alberta is, and will continue to be, a destination of choice for investors. In recent years, Alberta has led Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 85 per cent of Canada's growth,' the statement read.
Calgary Herald
14-07-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
'Death by a thousand cuts': Solar industry feels held back by 'discriminatory' rules
Regulations targeting Alberta's solar industry are hindering its ability to flourish, argues one industry organization. Article content According to Solar Alberta executive director Heather MacKenzie, the organization's members are concerned 'they're being hit with more discriminatory rules and protocols,' on top of existing regulations. Article content Solar Alberta's members comprise around 200 individuals and more than 159 businesses in the province. Article content Article content 'Albertans continue to adopt solar at a huge rate,' said MacKenzie, noting that tens of thousands of homes and businesses are using solar in the province. Article content Article content The long-term trajectory is toward more solar adoption, MacKenzie said, adding that 'we need to get back on track.' Article content 'But yet again . . . more discriminatory legislation that treats renewables differently than other forms of development, is harsher and disadvantages renewables in the context of other forms of development,' said MacKenzie. Article content The province's Code of Practice for Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Operations was updated in January to reflect findings of an inquiry conducted from August 2023 to February 2024, during the province's pause on new renewables development. Article content A mandatory 'security' for renewables on private land is included under the code of practice, requiring solar and wind operators to provide financial means for future decommissioning and reclamation developments. Article content Article content 'Alberta prides itself on being a global leader in land stewardship and reclamation and we're confident other jurisdictions will follow our leadership,' read an emailed statement from a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. Article content Article content The statement also noted that the 'requirements are reasonable and ensure that Alberta taxpayers aren't left on the hook for cleaning up wind and solar farms' that reach end of life. Article content 'Alberta is, and will continue to be, a destination of choice for investors. In recent years, Alberta has led Canada in new renewable energy development, representing more than 85 per cent of Canada's growth,' the statement read. Article content Alberta's security requirements for renewables are also among the most restrictive globally, with 30 per cent of future liabilities needing upfront payment, according to Jason Wang, a senior analyst with the institute. Article content After 15 years, 60 per cent of the security is required — far higher than the one per cent reclamation required for oil and gas operators, according to MacKenzie. Article content 'We're having this kind of bizarre conversation about a solar farm drying up because we're using the orphaned wells as a sort of an example of something comparable, and they're not comparable,' said MacKenzie. Article content 'The sun isn't going away anytime soon.' Article content Article content Wang argues that not one regulatory change in particular, but the volume of changes over a short period, has created challenges. Article content 'It's really akin to . . . death by a thousand cuts,' said Wang, noting that the industry has garnered billions in investment since 2019. Article content Article content 'Alberta has been a champion in Canada previously, it has been a leader in deploying these resources. I think that there is an opportunity for Alberta to be a leader again,' he added. Article content Multiple projects still pending Article content The inquiry also informed another policy about 'pristine viewscapes' and renewables on agricultural lands, and another regarding renewables on public lands, the latter of which is expected to be announced by the end of this year. Article content The Alberta Utilities Commission regulates the utilities sector, natural gas and electricity markets. In 2024, it approved 24 solar generation projects totalling 2,817 megawatts, while three were denied. Article content Up to June 30 this year, the commission has received nine solar project applications, although there are 18 solar projects pending approval or denial, some of which were received last year.
The South African
11-07-2025
- Science
- The South African
New marine research project unlocks False Bay's shark secrets
As World Shark Day approaches on 14 July, a major marine research initiative has been launched in False Bay aimed at protecting and better understanding the lives of sharks, rays, and skates – collectively known as elasmobranchs. The project is spearheaded by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, in partnership with Shark Spotters, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), and SANParks. The partnership seeks to address critical knowledge gaps about these species by tracking their movements within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) using cutting-edge acoustic telemetry technology. 'This collaboration is not only a significant research advancement but also a platform for developing the next generation of marine scientists,' said Dr Nathalie Viljoen, Head of Research at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. Using SAIAB's Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP), which stretches from St Helena Bay to southern Mozambique, the team has already tagged 29 animals, including lesser guitarfish, spotted gully sharks, and common eagle rays. Each animal is fitted with a transmitter that emits a unique signal, enabling researchers to monitor their location and behaviour over time. The tagging is carried out by a team led by Dr Ilse Jenkinson, a veterinarian at the aquarium, ensuring ethical and professional handling of the animals. Dr Toby Rogers, Research Manager at Shark Spotters, said the project builds on years of successful tracking of species like white sharks and bronze whalers. 'We're excited to expand our understanding of species that have been relatively overlooked. The more we learn, the better we can protect them.' The collaboration also supports student training and academic research, with ties to UCT, UWC, and CPUT. Insights gathered from the study will feed into both conservation strategies and public education, helping raise awareness of the importance of elasmobranchs in marine ecosystems. With World Shark Day shining a global spotlight on marine predators, this project marks a timely and hopeful step towards safeguarding South Africa's rich underwater heritage. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Justice league: Telangana HC refuses to stay toilet construction in school
Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging the construction of a toilet complex at the Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) in Undavelly village, Jogulamba Gadwal district. The petition was filed by one B Nutan Kumar Reddy, a local resident, who alleged that the construction was illegal and posed health risks due to its proximity to homes and borewells. He sought relocation of the complex to another part of the campus, citing previous directions from the additional collector and local opposition. The Government Pleader informed the court that the toilet complex was being built within the school premises for the benefit of around 350 students, including over 180 girls. After considering the submissions, Justice Lakshman declined to interfere, stating that there was no sufficient ground to halt the construction. The petition was dismissed, permitting the ongoing work to continue. The decision has received mixed responses. While some residents remain concerned about the location, others have welcomed the development as a necessary improvement in school sanitation infrastructure. HC refers plea against 100% quota to chief justice Justice T Madhavi Devi has directed the Registry to place before the Chief Justice a writ petition, which challenges the 100% reservation for STs in gram panchayat, sarpanch and ward member posts in scheduled areas of Telangana, for allocation to an appropriate bench. The writ petition was filed by the Non-Tribal Welfare Society, represented by its secretary Kondabathina Madhu, seeking a declaration that the total reservation for STs in these posts is unconstitutional, contending that it violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India. The plea also cites the Supreme Court's judgment in Chebrolu Leela Prasad Rao & Ors vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors, which laid down limits on reservations in local body elections. Counsel for the petitioner argued that due to the blanket reservation, in some Scheduled Areas where no ST candidates are available, the Gram Panchayats are being administered by special officers instead of elected representatives. The petitioner urged the court to direct the authorities to allow non-tribal candidates to contest in such cases to ensure democratic governance at the grassroots level. After hearing the petitioner's counsel, Justice Madhavi Devi observed that the court cannot interfere in policy decisions of the government. She then directed the Registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice for appropriate bench allocation.
