Latest news with #GARD
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Massive new reservoir is 'nationally significant' project for planners
Planning permission for a massive new reservoir will be decided by the Government, not by a local authority, Thames Water has announced. The reservoir, which would be south west of Abingdon, would produce up to 270 million litres of water per day, providing additional water supplies to 15 million people. It is expected to nearly be as big as Gatwick Airport and has faced repeated local opposition. READ MORE: Judicial review hearing for reservoir near Abingdon In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans for the new reservoir, and now the utility company has announced that Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, directed that the South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) project be recognised as "nationally significant". Leonie Dubois, left, Thames Water's head of engagementUnder the Planning Act 2008, Thames Water will need to seek planning approval at national level, submitting an application for a Development Consent Order in 2026. The announcement comes as the plan for the reservoir is about to be the subject of a judicial review. GARD's (Group Against Reservoir Development) sister company Saferwaters, and countryside charity CPRE Oxfordshire, launched the bid for the judicial review, and Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) will make the case for the reservoir. The hearing is expected to take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Embankment tests for the new reservoirNevil Muncaster, Strategic Water Resources Director, Thames Water said: 'While we've always known our proposed reservoir is of national importance, the Government's recognition of its significance brings us one step closer to securing water supply for 15 million people across the South East. 'The right planning process and finance model is fundamental to securing our water future, delivering a cost-effective project for customers and safeguarding the environment. "Although this project has achieved national significance, local communities remain at the heart of our plans. We're committed to engaging with local people throughout the process, which is why I'd encourage everyone to attend our information events this summer. READ MORE: Fraudsters steal from motorists at car park "These sessions provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about our proposals, understand the benefits and to speak to the team." GARD spokesman Derek Stork said the latest Thames Water announcement was "not news": He added: "The SESRO Project has been a potential 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' since the process of assessing these large water infrastructure projects was set up by government regulators in 2020. "To progress beyond a potential NSIP, the project must pass through a Development Consent Order (DCO) process, for SESRO this will take place in 2026/27. As the DCO has not happened yet, Thames Water cannot announce that anything has ' been accepted'. The 'local democracy' that has been bypassed in this case stems from the decision by Steve Reed to nod SESRO through to the DCO stage (again not news as it happened in August 2024) ignoring calls for a public inquiry." Mr Stork added: "It is this bypassing of local democracy which we are contesting at the High Court next week. Thames Water's latest announcement is to try and cloud the 'ether' around the court hearing." Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 'South East England is projected to face water shortages by 2030. That is why the Government is intervening in the public interest to speed up the planning process and unblock new reservoirs. 'This Government will secure our water supply for future generations while protecting the environment and unlocking the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change.' Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover said: "Many of my constituents have significant concerns about the impact of such a large reservoir on the environment, increased flood risk, and whether a reservoir is the most effective way to secure the region's water supply. This is why I have backed calls for a full public inquiry. "The water minister has postponed my meeting with her until after the upcoming court hearing about whether there should be a judicial review into the decision not to hold a public inquiry. I will be raising the significant local concerns and opposition to this project with her in person as soon as possible.'
CBS News
16-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
With U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel advancing, advocates want to see plan to curb pollution in Gary, Indiana
President Trump last week cleared plans for the Japanese company Nippon Steel to buy into U.S. Steel as a partnership. The president on Friday signed an executive order that says Nippon can buy the iconic Pittsburgh-based steelmaker as long as both parties sign a "national security agreement." The two companies announced in a joint statement Friday that they agreed to the terms of the government's national security agreement, which they said mandates $11 billion in new investments by 2028 and provides for "a Golden Share to be issued to the U.S. Government." No specifics have been released yet. Gary, Indiana Mayor Eddie Melton has said Nippon Steel plans to pump $1 billion into the U.S. Steel Gary Works — the largest U.S. Steel mill in the country. CBS News Chicago has uncovered significant industrial pollution in Northwest Indiana leading to health impacts on those living in Gary. So will the partnership and the planned investment in the Gary mill translate into healthier air? Mayor Melton said he is in direct communication with U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel — but it is unclear how the $1 billion the city will see will break down. "We are waiting for final specific details," Melton said. But Melton said they have already discussed environmental concerns with both companies. "The last time the chairman was in Gary, I brought in members of GARD, which is our environmental community advocacy group, to meet with them briefly," Melton said. "Although it was only a few minutes still gave an idea of the concerns the community has historically when it comes down to environmental impacts." Carolyn McGrady is part of that environmental community advocacy group. The initials stand for Gary Advocates for Responsibility Development. "People know they're sick. They know they're getting sick," said McGrady. "They know their relatives, their children have asthma." McGrady is also part of an even larger group of residents calling for the Nippon Steel investment to address the health impact of this plant and others on those living here. They hope the merger means moving away from coal-powered steelmaking. "And so we think it only makes sense to move into the next stage of steel making, which is to produce steel without the blast furnace," McGrady said, "the blast furnace being the evil eye here." A months-long investigation by CBS News Chicago found that the Gary U.S. Steel plant released more pollutants than any other steel or iron mill tracked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency across the country. "No one ever put the story together the way you did. With the sources and the research you did. And testimonials," said McGrady. Hilary Lewis, steel director at the environmental nonprofit Industrious Labs, said with the merger, it is clear that Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel need to be asked to clean up steel facilities and held accountable on the matter. But her organization wants to know more about the plan for Gary. "We need to see, in writing, what this plan means for workers and for communities," Lewis said. "Communities that live near these facilities need to know what this deal means for the plants in their backyards." Industrious Labs recently released a report detailing pollution and the health costs in Gary. "Gary Works, alone, is responsible for over 30,000 cases of asthma symptoms every year," Lewis said. Lewis said Industrious Labs is one of a number of groups waiting for more details on the merger, and what will be addressed when it comes to pollution in Gary. "Within three miles of the Gary Works facility, 97% of people are people of color, and 62% are low-income," Lewis said. Melton said there is no timeline in place yet. "What had been promised to me in terms of communication, open lines, between Nippon, U.S. Steel, and myself," Melton said. CBS News Chicago reached out to both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel. They did not immediately return requests for comment.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Goa doctors call off the State-wide strike and protest against State Health Minister
After a meeting held late in the evening on Tuesday (June 11, 2025), with the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) said that they have unanimously decided to call off the impending statewide strike. Also Read | Rising trend of scapegoating doctors for administrative failures, says Maharashtra doctors' association GARD represents the unified voice of resident doctors across the State. Dr. Aayush Sharma, president of GARD, said that this decision was made in the paramount interest of public health and to prevent any disruption to patient care. 'We wish to reiterate that our commitment to our patients remains our foremost priority, contrary to any insinuations from third parties. We have chosen the path of dialogue and de-escalation to ensure that vital healthcare services for the Goan public continue uninterrupted,' Dr. Sharma said. At a meeting with the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dean Dr. Shivanand M. Bandekar, medical superintendent Dr. Rajesh T. Patil and members of GARD and doctors from GMCH, the Goa CM requested doctors to withdraw their strike and assured no repercussion or action will be false against any doctors due to the incident. In the meeting, the CM mentioned that a public apology has already been given by the Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, in the regional and national news channels and that should suffice. However, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Rudresh Kurtikar, who was abused by the minister on June 7, insisted for a public apology at the same casualty ward. But later the doctors said that it was decided that such a demand cannot be made as a government officer cannot ask a minister to come over to his office and apologise. 'This is not about the minister in power abusing publicly to Dr. Kurtikar, but it is about the insult of the chair and the way government doctors are treated by the people in power,' the doctors' association said. During the meeting, the CM directed the Dean and Medical Superintendent for strict prohibition of videography and photography at the patient care area of the hospital and asked them to put up posters in the relevant areas. On the V.I.P. culture, the CM asked the doctors' association to explain to which, GARD president said, 'Threatening the doctors by giving references of political power will not be entertained.' The CM said, 'Even when I call to find out about the condition of a certain patient, it does not mean I am compromising the treatment of other serious patients. I advise treating all patients on a severity basis depending upon triaging.' The CM asked the Dean to enhance grievance redressal system at the hospital and constitute a disciplinary committee headed by the health secretary as a Chairman, Dean and Medical Superintendent as a member and head of the respective department as a fourth member to issue any complaints received for or against medical professionals. During the meeting, Dr. Reshmarani Salelkar requested the formation of a Staff Society for all consultants and staff of GMCH, which has been defunct for the last 15 years. The CM directed the Dean to consider the same. 'The CM assured us that no repercussions or action will be false against any doctors due to this particular incident. He also reviewed the security of medical professionals at the GMCH and assured them to strengthen the security. He agreed to the Dean's proposal to post armed police at various sensitive zones of GMCH and said he would depute 50 armed policemen with immediate effect. The CM directed the police department to post a PSI rank officer around the clock and advised them to share a common mobile number to attend all complaints from the medical professions in Goa,' Dr. Sharma said.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Goa CM Pramod Sawant says will visit GMC today, doctors say bring health minister Vishwajit Rane too
Panaji: Even as Goa Medical College (GMC) doctors demanded a public apology in the hospital's casualty department by health minister Vishwajit Rane, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday that Rane has already tendered his apology. 'I convinced them (the doctors) that he publicly tendered his apology and the issue has to be resolved,' said Sawant. On Monday evening, after protests, members of the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD), GMC dean S M Bandekar, and consultants, among others, met Sawant to discuss and resolve the issue. The CM's intervention followed protests by doctors who insisted on an apology from Rane for abusing and threatening chief medical officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar. Sawant told GARD that he would visit GMC's casualty department on Tuesday to end the deadlock, but GARD told him to bring Rane with him. They told the CM that Rane could tender an apology at casualty without cameras, but he has to tender his apology. 'They raised around 10 issues with me,' said Sawant. 'Nine issues have been resolved. I assure them that henceforth, such incidents will not be repeated in GMC. I hope that the issue will be resolved, and they should resolve it. I have requested them not to go on strike. I told them that I will come to casualty.' Asked whether GARD's main demand — Rane's public apology — was also addressed by the CM, Bandekar said, 'That part was not discussed.' Rane on Saturday directed the immediate suspension of Kuttikar following a complaint from a journalist of Marathi newspaper alleging that the doctor told a patient to go to an urban health centre to receive an injection. Sawant on Sunday assured the doctors that he would not suspend the CMO.
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Gary council overrides Melton veto on Beckman school development
The Gary Common Council continued to greenlight plans for a development at the shuttered Alfred Beckman Middle School — even after the mayor expressed opposition. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton vetoed an ordinance the council passed that allows for rezoning at the former school site. The ordinance allows the middle school to rezone from R2 residential to planned unit development, or PUD, and B3-1, which allows for shopping centers or large stores. Melton addressed the rezoning on WLTH April 30, where he recapped his second State of the City address. Melton also went live on Facebook while he was on WLTH. 'I'll keep this simple, I didn't sign that ordinance when it passed,' Melton said. 'So, essentially, it has been pocket vetoed. If they want that to pass, the council will have to override that pocket veto.' The council overrode Melton's veto in a 6-3 vote Tuesday night. Council members who voted against overriding the veto were President Lori Latham, D-1st; Dwayne Halliburton, D-2nd; and Myles Tolliver, D-at large. Tolliver previously said his biggest concern with the development is that it would be in a residential area. Latham is a member of Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, a local activist group that has been outspoken in opposition to the project. 'GARD is concerned about sustainable economic development of the city as a whole and properties located in dense residential districts and is opposed to projects that would put those residents and neighborhoods' health, safety and viability at risk,' said a previous GARD statement. Council members who voted to override the veto included Mary Brown, D-3rd; Marian Ivey, D-4th; Linda Barnes Caldwell, D-5th; Dwight Williams, D-6th; Darren Washington, D-at large; and Kenneth Whisenton, D-at large. Brown and Whisenton have both previously expressed concerns about Gary's tax base and have said projects like this are the best way to help the city. Williams previously said he believes Gary needs more jobs to keep younger generations in the city. Washington previously told the Post-Tribune that the city needs to look at its taxes, especially as communities start to see the effects of Indiana's property tax bill, Senate Enrolled Act 1. On Tuesday night, Washington spoke about Melton's veto. 'I was a little set back and disappointed in Mayor Eddie Melton's comment on WLTH,' Washington said. 'I can speak for myself and for Linda Barnes Caldwell … we were not contacted about the mayor's disapproval of the Beckman project. (For) two and a half months, I contacted, left a message for the mayor, and never heard anything from the mayor about his disapproval.' If Melton had expressed concerns before, Washington said it might have been a different result. Washington has also asked for more communication between the council and Melton's administration, saying projects at abandoned schools won't happen without the council's approval on rezoning, and all council members need the same information. 'I want each councilperson to be able to know about each and every project that has been articulated by the administration, so we can make an accurate vote,' Washington said. 'I don't ask council members and tell council members how to vote. I ask council members to get all the information, and it is the responsibility of the administration to make sure that we have that information.' Melton's administration was unable to immediately send a comment Wednesday. The development previously received an unfavorable opinion from the Gary Rezoning department and plan commission. Corrie Sharp, primary contact for the Gary Rezoning department, met with developers to address project concerns, including building height and traffic in the area, according to Post-Tribune archives. The final, updated ordinance included a new timeline for the project, with demolition within eight months, development must commence in 18 months, and the primary structure must be completed within three years of ordinance passage. The final ordinance also addressed traffic concerns, saying trucks must enter and exit off 22nd Avenue and leave 23rd Avenue open for car access.
