Eagle Bulletin

FOCUS ARTICLE – ARE YOU AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMINAL?
IGNORANCE
When directors are sitting around their boardroom tables making management decisions, not many will be thinking that they might end up being responsible for an environmental crime and be personally liable for a hefty fine, or a period of imprisonment, or both.

NEGLIGENCE
How is this possible? The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (“NEMA”) has always provided for a general duty of care and remediation for environmental damage, but the Act has recently been amended. It is now an offence for anyone to “unlawfully and intentionally or negligently commit any act or omission which causes significant, or is likely to cause, significant pollution or degradation of the environment”. To ensure there are no loopholes, it is also an offence to “unlawfully and intentionally or negligently commit any act or omission which detrimentally affects, or is likely to affect, the environment in a significant manner”. Non-compliance with any directive issued by the authorities in connection with this duty of care is also an offence (NEMA, Section 28(14)). The sanction for this offence is a fine of up to R1 million or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

PRE-EXISTENT CONDITION
Importantly, a person cannot now escape liability by arguing that the significant pollution or degradation happened before the law changed and NEMA came into effect; that it wasn’t evident at the time of the act or omission; or that there was pre-existing pollution or degradation of the environment concerned (NEMA, Section 28(1A)).

GUILTY?,br> These changes become especially relevant to directors, because proof of the offence by the firm constitutes prima facie proof that the directors at the time of the offence are also guilty of the offence. Therefore, if a firm commits one of the offences listed in Schedule 3 of NEMA, and a director fails to take all reasonable steps necessary under the circumstances to prevent the offence being committed, those who are or were directors (this includes members of boards, management bodies, close corporations or partnerships) at the time of the commission by the firm of that offence, are personally liable (NEMA, Section 34(7)).

CRIMINAL?
Schedule 3 now contains the new Section 28(14) offence referred to above, so that even an unintentional (but negligent) act or omission, which causes significant pollution or degradation of the environment, can make a director who fails to take steps to avoid the situation, a “criminal”.

THE COSTS
What does being guilty of this offence mean? In addition to personally facing the prescribed penalty of a potential R1 million fine, in circumstances where a monetary advantage was gained from the crime, the director may be held personally liable to pay damages, compensation or a fine – this is to avoid the firm from benefiting financially as a result of unlawful activities. The punishment does not necessarily end there. The director may also be responsible for compliance with a remediation order, often a costly exercise in itself. Finally, to avoid the State having to expend its own money on the investigation and prosecution of the environmental crime, provision is made for the convicted director to pay the state’s costs in this regard. This list of potential “pay backs” for the commission of the crime will be enough to empty many a director’s purse.

INFLATION
To add to the risk to directors, some of the other environmental offences listed in Schedule 3 of NEMA, have recently had their fines increased. For example, the penalty for certain offences in terms of the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (“APPA”) and the Environment Conservation Act (“ECA”) have been raised to R5 million or imprisonment for five years and (depending on the offence concerned) fines for offences contained in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, may be either R5 million or R10 million, or 5 or 10 year terms of imprisonment, or both.

PERSONAL LIABILITY
The implication of all these changes for directors is that the potential for personal liability is huge. The way to avoid this is to remain abreast of changes in the law and to ensure that management decisions that may impact significantly on the environment are properly considered. All reasonable steps must be taken to prevent the commission of an environmental offence, bearing in mind that one of the offences is now based on negligence.

KING III
Directors who are not already familiar with the provisions of the recent King III Practice Notes for Environmental Sustainability, which demands that “environmental issues should form part of business performance and risk management strategies” and that “the organisation’s environmental performance should be assessed, reported on and disclosed both internally and externally”, should endeavour to ensure that firms are managed according to the principles of best practice contained in the Code.

PLAY IT SAFE
In the end, the bottom line for directors remains the same as it always has been – vigilance and taking steps to minimise harm to the environment will minimise personal risk too – but the stakes for directors personally, are much higher.

Glendyr Nel, attorney and specialist in environmental law, Cullinan & Associates (Durban office). Contact details: glendyrn@law.co.za or 031 3121212, www.cullinans.co.za

NATIONAL DOMESTIC WASTE COLLECTION STANDARDS FOR COMMENT
The Minister of Water Affairs and Environmental Affairs has published a document entitled, “Addressing Challenges with Waste Service provision in South Africa : National Domestic Waste Collection Standards” for public comment.

The document would appear to be trying to establish a base standard for domestic waste collection throughout the country, which includes topics such as level of service, collection, separation at source, collection of recyclable waste, receptacles and bulk containers, communal collection points, drop off centre for recyclables, frequency of collection, health and safety, communication, awareness creation and complaints, and kerbside collection standards.

Government Gazette No 32687, 6 Nov 2009, Notice 1475. Comment should be submitted to Mr Obed Baloyi, Email:- obaloyi@deat.gov.za or Fax:- (012) 322 5515 no later than 5th January 2010.

SELECTIVE COMMENCEMENT OF INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT
Government Gazette 32765, Notice No 84, dated 1 December 2009 will announce the selective commencement of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2009.

Some sections of the Act will only come in to force at a later date and these are:- Section 11 (ownership of coastal public property); Section 65 (award of leases and concessions on coastal public property); Section 66 (terms of coastal leases and coastal concessions); Section 95 (existing leases on, or rights to, coastal public property); Section 96 (unlawful structures on coastal public property); and Section 98 (repeal of legislation).

According to the Department of Environmental Affairs, the reason for the sections being held back is to allow for further consultation with the Department of Public Enterprises and Transnet over technical aspects relating to leases and concessions within proclaimed port areas.

AMENDMENTS, AMENDMENTS AND MORE AMENDMENTS
Be aware that there have been a number of amendments to the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) which affect the Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 0f 2008, and the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004.

We do not have space in this Bulletin to itemise all of the changes but we suggest that you study Government Gazette 32563, Notice 902, dated 11 September 2009 (Commencement of the National Environmental Laws Amendment Act 44 of 2008), and Government Gazette 32580, proclamation by the President of the Republic 65, dated 18 September 2009 (Commencement of the National Environmental Laws Amendment Act 14 of 2009).

POPULATION FACTS AND FIGURES
Population is undoubtedly one of the key influences for environmental management and sustainable development. It does not get the attention and priority it deserves and unless humankind manages its numbers, its supporting ecosphere will begin to fail or be unable to provide the necessary resources to promote healthy lifestyles for all.

The Population Reference Bureau (www.prb.org) provides a steady flow of information and technical reports which highlight the effects of a burgeoning global population.

The 2009 World Population Data Sheet includes some quite startling data which one needs to be reminded of. Currently, 48% of the world’s population is currently living on less than $2 per day. By 2050, the population of Africa is projected to double to almost 2 billion.

“…By 2050, the number of youth will have risen from just under a half a billion to 1.2 billion. At that point about nine in ten youths will be in developing countries. This very large group will arrive at working age with a right to expect gainful employment, adequate health care, and the ability to raise a family with an appropriate living standard, if they so choose. Before those things can come about, they must have had access to sufficient education and training so that they can take part in building their country’s society and economy. Most likely, tomorrow’s youth will have moved to cities in larger numbers as opportunities in the rural areas diminish. But will the economic conditions of their country be able to meet their rising expectations? This will be one of the major social questions of the next few decades…” (2009 World Population Data Sheet)

ATMOSPHERIC WATER HARVESTER
AirQua™ is the trade name covering a number of water supply products, the most interesting of which is an atmospheric water harvester. The technology converts humidity in the air to water and, through a process of filters and disinfection methods, to potable water. The equipment can be used in a variety of applications from providing water in water scarce rural areas using solar power to extracting water from high humidity, underground mines. The technology is managed and monitored using a microprocessor which ensures compliance to set standards and requirements. The increasing cost of potable water will make this technology more cost effective over the next few years.

For more information, contact the local AirQua Air Water representative, Mr Azhar Bhyat, at 011 646 0850, Cell: 082 818 8278, Email:- azhar@airqua.com Website:- www.airqua.com

BOOK REVIEW – “THE DARK SIDE: CRITICAL: CASES ON THE DOWNSIDE OF BUSINESS” EDITED BY E RAUFFLET & AJ MILLS, GREENLEAF PUBLISHING, SHEFFIELD, UK, 2009, ISBN-13:9781906093204, HDBK, 294 pages, £24.95 + P & P. Discount of 10% if purchased from website:- www.greenleaf-publishing.com/productdetail.kmod?productid=2905
I often get asked, “What if we don’t consider sustainability/do environmental management/implement a safety program?” by company managers and owners. This book is a sober warning of what could happen if businesses cut corners on social, environmental, ethical and regulatory standards.

The book is split into four parts:- Part one covers “gray areas in the behaviour of businesses”; part two looks at “business and local communities”; Part three explores “creating (or managing) crises”; and Part four looks at “gray areas in the global context”.

The editors have chosen an eclectic selection of case studies ranging from entrepreneurship and sexism to the responsibilities of (South African) mining companies and informal settlements, sub-standard underground mine safety, and lead-tainted toys. All of the case studies pose questions which do not always have clearly defined solutions, but illustrate the importance of dialogue with stakeholders (whoever they may be).

The book also demonstrates the value of developing case studies as a means of identifying key management and communication strategies. So often, corporates will focus on a one way communication strategy which does not listen to responses and reactions. This often results in vital intelligence and status information being lost or not collected.

A fascinating case study included in the book relates to Google’s decision making on whether or not to enter the China market and locate a Chinese language version of the Google search engine on Chinese servers. The ethical questions raised here make absorbing reading. The Westray mine explosion case study was also a powerful tale of corporate deceit and irresponsibility.

This book has many useful and thought-provoking messages for Sustainability Managers and directors dealing with corporate social responsibility and ethics issues. It will not provide all the answers but it will indicate what and how things can go wrong and provides a powerful motivation to understand the dynamics in your organisation and ensure that stakeholder communication channels are open and two way.
AJH

BOOK REVIEW – “UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” BY J BLEWITT, EARTHSCAN, LONDON, 2008. PBK, 288 pages, ISBN 978-1-84407-454-9, £18.99 + P & P. Website:- www.earthscan.co.uk
This is a text book on Sustainable Development and as a practitioner in the field, I found it an excellent refresher and reminder of basic concepts, issues and historical background.

The ten chapters in this book take the reader through a logical progression of information, starting with how globalisation and sustainable development are linked, working through ethical and cultural values, through to social capital and environmental justice, on to politics and governance, leading to economic growth and the necessary associations, and finally to tools and systems and the relevancy of leading the sustainability process.

Blewitt’s brief, dispassionate review of the role of sceptical environmentalists, in particular, Bjørn Lomborg, is an important education in academic tolerance and the value of debate and discussion. You may not agree with Lomborg, but his position forces one to test one’s own viewpoint and the validity of the facts that support it.

The section on tools and systems for sustainability is excellent and a perfect introduction to the new professional who may be moving from an environmental management level of thinking to the broader SD view.

The references (cited clearly in the different relevant parts of the book text) are a valuable listing of important background documents for the reader to drill down and dig deep, should he or she so desire.

I enjoyed this book and I continue to dip into it, using the practical and effective index.

This book is an ideal reference text for new managers who need to put sustainable development into context with their business responsibilities and understand where it fits into the larger picture. Although there is considerable detail and history, it all helps to explain why issues have developed the way they have and why it is important to apply the philosophy in business activities.
AJH

PUBLICATION – BLUE CARBON REPORT
Cycling of carbon back into the biosphere is described as “green carbon” which is absorbed by land based organisms, and carbon absorbed by marine living organisms (55%) is called “blue carbon”. The Blue Carbon Report, produced by GRID-Arendal and UNEP, in collaboration with the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation, and UNESCO International and Oceanographic Commissions, was produced to highlight the vital role of the oceans and ocean ecosystems in the global climate balance.

The Report provides detailed and illustrated information on the importance and functioning of blue carbon capture and how this contributes to natural systems management of carbon. It explains clearly how the world’s oceans, seas and marine ecosystems (including seagrass, salt marshes and coastal wetlands) are daily absorbing and removing large quantities of carbon from the atmosphere.

This publication can be freely downloaded at www.grida.no/publications/rr/blue-carbon

PUBLICATION – CLIMATE SOLUTIONS-2
Climate Solutions-2 (CS2) is an analysis which puts timetables to the industrial transformations required to limit global carbon emissions to below the 2°C level scientists identify as presenting unacceptable risks of runaway climate change. The report was prepared for WWF International by Climate Risk, a company known for its work on climate change for global insurers and infrastructure providers.

The report suggests that beyond 2014, the feasible upper limits of industrial growth rates will make it impossible for market economies to meet the carbon targets required to keep global warming below 2°C. The report’s modelling finds that there needs to be an immediate change to a low carbon economy, in addition to carbon emission abatement measures.

Computer modelling and historical records indicate that sequential development of industries, which would result from undue reliance on a single mechanism such as rising carbon price, will make it impossible to meet emission targets on time. Industries that come online late will have to grow considerably faster because of delays in start up and will be hit harder by constraints on available resources, labour and expertise.

The Report can be feely downloaded at http://www.wwf.org.au/publications/climatesolutions2

PUBLICATION - CORPORATE ECOSYSTEM VALUATION – BUILDING THE BUSINESS CASE
Businesses make extensive use of air, water and land ecosystem services in their economic activities. In some cases, those economic activities contribute directly to ecosystem degradation which can then in turn, impact upon economic activities. This publication seeks to raise awareness of the ecosystems that business depends upon. It encourages the conducting of ecosystem corporate evaluation, to ensure that the resources to maintain the sustainable functioning and good health of these ecosystems, forms a part of the business plan and operation.

The booklet starts with 10 reasons why businesses should conduct corporate ecosystem valuation then explains in broad terms how it can be done with examples and illustrations.

This publication can be freely downloaded at http://www.wbcsd.org/DocRoot/sTRJLXdoq8SPdrViIYHq/CorporateEcosytemsValuation-BuildingTheBizCase.pdf

PUBLICATION – THE CORPORATE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES REVIEW: GUIDELINES FOR IDENTIFYING BUSINESS RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES ARISING FROM ECOSYSTEM CHANGE
This publication was a precursor to “Corporate Ecosystem Valuation – Building the Business Case” mentioned above. The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review consists of five steps which are described in detail in this publication. The review is a process which includes consideration of the risk and opportunities that arise from the degradation and use of ecosystem services and was developed to make up for the inadequacies of conventional environmental management systems and environmental due diligence tools which were not sensitive enough to pick up the risk and opportunities.

It consists of a structured methodology that helps to proactively develop strategies to manage business risks and opportunities that arise from companies’ dependence and impact on ecosystems. Businesses can either conduct the review as a stand-alone process or integrate it into their existing environmental management systems. In both cases, the methodology can complement and augment the environmental due diligence tools companies already use.

This publication can be freely downloaded at http://www.wri.org/publication/corporate-ecosystem-services-review

NEWSBITES
◘The year 2009 is likely to rank in the top 10 warmest on record since the beginning of instrumental climate records in 1850, according to data sources compiled by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The global combined sea surface and land surface air temperature for 2009 (January–October) is currently estimated at 0.44°C ± 0.11°C (0.79°F ± 0.20°F) above the 1961–1990 annual average of 14.00°C/57.2°F. The current nominal ranking of 2009, which does not account for uncertainties in the annual averages, places it as the fifth-warmest year. The decade of the 2000s (2000–2009) was warmer than the decade spanning the 1990s (1990–1999), which in turn was warmer than the 1980s (1980–1989). (Press Release-World Meteorological Organisation)

◘ A life cycle assessment undertaken by the World Watch Institute concluded that the average US golf course consumes some 189 million litres of water per year, the equivalent to the annual usage of 1,400 people. (Editor’s note- there are approximately 16,944 registered golf courses in the USA.) (Worldwatch magazine, January/February 2008 issue)

◘ California-based company, Cereplast, has announced that it is developing breakthrough technology to transform algae into bio-plastics, and predicts that it could replace 50%, or more, of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins. Cereplast already makes plastic from renewable material such as corn starch, tapioca, wheat and potatoes, but is keen to trumpet the advantages of the new approach. (Press Release- Cereplast)

◘ The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), considered the authority on the status of the worlds species, updated its Red List of Threatened Species, to an all-time high of 17,291 species threatened with extinction. “This year’s IUCN Red List makes for sobering reading,” says Craig Hilton-Taylor, Manager of the IUCN Red List Unit. “These results are just the tip of the iceberg. We have only managed to assess 47,663 species so far; there are many more millions out there which could be under serious threat. We do, however, know from experience that conservation action works so let’s not wait until it’s too late and start saving our species now.” (Press Release-IUCN)

◘ Small amounts of oil leave a fluorescent sheen on polluted water which is difficult to remove. However, according to a recently published article in the journal, Chemosphere, an inexpensive new method has been developed to remove oil sheen by repeatedly pressurizing and depressurizing ozone gas, creating microscopic bubbles that attack the oil so it can be removed by sand filters. (Rapid extraction of sediment contaminants by pressure cycles, Chemosphere 74 (2009)1360-1366)

◘ The Dutch Government is to become the first country in Europe to introduce a green tax to replace annual road tax on cars. Drivers will have to pay per kilometre driven in a bid to end chronic traffic jams and cut carbon emissions. The system, which will use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to monitor cars, could be used as a test case for other countries weighing options for easing crowded roads. When the plan takes effect in 2012, new car prices could fall by as much as 25 per cent with the abolition of purchase and road taxes. Instead, an average passenger car will pay €.03 per kilometre, with higher charges levied during rush-hour and for travelling on congested roads. Trucks, commercial vehicles and bigger cars emitting more carbon dioxide will be assessed at a higher rate. The GPS devices installed in cars will track the time, hour and place each car moves and send the data to a billing agency. (Press Release-Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management)

ENVIRONMENT ON THE INTERNET
Note - Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information in this column is as accurate and up to date as possible, websites on the Internet come and go without warning and Eagle Bulletin cannot guarantee that all sites listed may necessarily still be functioning under the addresses shown. If in doubt or if the site does not work, go back to the route of the site (usually ending in .org, .com, or .net (country links end in co.za, co.nl, co.uk, etc)), and retrace the route steps to the nearest page link. Note also that spaces in website addresses are often linked to the letters around them by “_” (underscores).

International Fertiliser Industry Publication Database contains a wide range of publications covering fertilisers, environmental issues, climate change, green house gas emissions and statistical data on fertiliser use. Some publications are “members only” but most can be freely downloaded at:- www.fertilizer.org/ifa/Home-Page/LIBRARY/Publication-database.html

Polystyrene Packaging Council of South Africa has a very useful and informative website full of facts and information on polystyrene as well as detailed recycling information. Go to:- www.polystyrenepacakging.co.za

RealClimate is a climate blog that appears to be run by climate scientists and has useful climate information for folk at different levels of understanding. Go to:- www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2007/05/start-here

The Environmental Justice Foundation is a UK-based charity established in 2000 to empower people who suffer most from environmental abuses to find peaceful ways of preventing them. Interesting campaigns and success stories. Go to:- http://www.ejfoundation.org/

The Biodiversity and Wine Initiative is a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector. The goals are to minimise the further loss of threatened natural habitat, and to contribute to sustainable wine production, through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South African wine industry. Go to:- http://www.bwi.co.za

The Happy Planet Index 2.0 (a project of the New Economics Forum) combines environmental impact with human well-being to measure the environmental efficiency with which, country by country, people live long and happy (or unhappy) lives. Go to:- http://www.happyplanetindex.org

The World Energy Outlook provides updated global projections that take into account the implications of the global credit crisis, the economic slowdown and the recent slump in the prices of oil and other forms of energy. Go to :- http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org

ChinaFAQs is a website set up by the World Resources Institute to provide insight into critical questions about Chinese policy and action on energy and climate change. Go to:- http://www.chinafaqs.org

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS
Do you want to publicise your conference, symposium or training course or is there an event that you feel we should publicise? Send the details to the Editor of Eagle Bulletin AT LEAST THREE MONTHS before the event to ensure at least one insertion. Insertion is free of charge but subject to the Editors discretion and space availability.

10-11 November 2009 – 23rd International Carbon Markets Conference – Carbon Markets Africa, Cape Town. Contact:- +44 (0)207 099 0600, or e-mail:- info@greenpowerconferences.com Website:- http://www2.greenpowerconferences.co.uk/v8-12/Prospectus/Index.php?sEventCode=CM0911ZA

18 November 2009 – Annual Update on SA Energy. Johannesburg. Contact:- Donald Ndhundhuma, MEETI Training Manager, Tel:- (011) 709 4771, Email:- info@meeti.org.za, website:- www.meeti.org.za

8-9 February 2010 – Hazardous Waste Management Course, Johannesburg. Contact:- Felicia, Tel:- +65 6297 8545, Fax:- +65 6297 8645, Email: Felicia@salvoglobal.com Website:- www.salvoglobal.com

8-10 February 2010 – 11th Southern Africa Energy Week, Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg. Contact:- Jerry van Gessel, Tel:- 011 880-7052, Email:- jerry@glopac-partners.com Website:- www.petro21.com

9-11 February 2010 - GRI Sustainability Reporting Training Course Johannesburg. This GRI-certified course will enhance participants’ ability to contribute to, participate in and manage their organisation’s sustainability reporting process. The course is supplemented by an optional 1-day workshop on GRI Performance Indicators. For more information, visit www.envsustsol.co.za, e-mail:- envsustsol@mweb.co.za or phone 082 395 7582.

24-26 February 2010 – Energy Indaba 2010, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Contact:- Liz Hart, Tel:- 011 463-9285, Email:- info@siyenza.za.com Website:- www.energyafricaexpo.com

9-11 March 2010 - GRI Sustainability Reporting Training Course, Pretoria. This GRI-certified course will enhance participants’ ability to contribute to, participate in and manage their organisation’s sustainability reporting process. The course is supplemented by an optional 1-day workshop on GRI Performance Indicators. For more information visit www.envsustsol.co.za, e-mail:- envsustsol@mweb.co.za or phone 082 395 7582.

23–25 March 2010 – Course in SASS5: A Rapid Method for Water Quality. Floreat Riverside Lodge, Sabie, Mpumalanga. Contact:- Penny Pistorius, Nepid Consultants CC, PO Box 4349, White River, 1240, RSA. Tel:- 013-7511533, Email:- penny@nepid.co.za

6-9 September 2010 – 11th International Symposium on River Sedimentation, “Sedimentation and Sustainable Use of River Systems”, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Contact:- Marechia Basson, Tel:- +27 79 4909 210, Email:- msb@aspt.co.za, Website:- http://www.civeng.sun.ac.za/isrs

BS EN 16001:2009 ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. REQUIREMENTS WITH GUIDANCE FOR USE
The British Standards Institute is often a leader in developing standards which meet the needs of commerce and industry. BS EN 16001 is a new standard which helps to create a framework for efficient and effective energy management, from policies, through to management systems, checks and audits. Although the standard can be used independently, it has been designed to align and link with other management systems and it is similar in structure and format to ISO 14001, the environmental management system standard.

For more information, go to:- http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030172146

PUBLICATION – REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ON-SITE & OFF-SITE DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE
Wastewater sludge management is a headache at the best of times and the Water Research Commission has addressed this by initiating a series of research projects to look at sustainable disposal options for waste water sludge. Volume 3, Report No TT 349/09 (Requirements For The On-Site & Off-Site Disposal Of Sludge) was published in June this year and provides valuable practical and legal compliance information for public and private sector bodies tasked with the disposal of wastewater sludges.

The titles of the three guidelines volumes available are as follows:- Volume 1 – Selection of Management Options; Volume 2- Requirements for the Agricultural Use of Sludge; Volume 3 - Requirements for the On-Site & Off-Site Disposal Of Sludge; Volume 4 – Requirements for the Beneficial Use of Sludge at High Loading Rates; and Volume 5 – Requirements for Thermal Sludge Management Practices and for Commercial Products containing Sludge.

The Volumes can be ordered (Free of charge to South African based applicants) from the Water Research Commission, via email from orders@wrc.org.za or by phone:- (012) 330-0340 or by Fax:- (012) 331-2565.

COPY DEADLINE
Copy deadline for Vol. 19, No 4 of Eagle Bulletin is 31st December 2009 with publication set for the end of the fourth week of January 2010.

PUBLICATION – SUSTAINABLE ENERGY – WITHOUT THE HOT AIR
The book, “Sustainable Energy – Without The Hot Air” is authored by David MacKay, Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

This 383 page book is a whirlwind of information on sustainable energy and sets out through case studies, examples and demonstrations, to illustrate that sustainable energy in the UK is a strategy that can work. The book is packed with facts and information and is not an easy read but is well worth the time to explore.

This book, in various forms, including a 10 page synopsis, can be freely downloaded from www.withouthotair.com/download.html

TELL THEM ABOUT US
If you make use of the contact details in Eagle Bulletin, please tell your contact where you got the information from and what Eagle Bulletin is if they ARE unaware of it. (Eagle Environmental and Eagle Bulletin’s website is at http://www.eagleenv.co.za) It helps in feedback and networking. Thank you!

PUBLICATION – ICMM-HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE METALS & MINING INDUSTRY- HANDLING & RESOLVING LOCAL LEVEL CONCERNS & GRIEVANCES
The ICMM has put together a number of guidance documents to assist in sustainability issues in the mining industry. This publication is the second in a series covering human rights and provides high level and low level principles for developing and managing complaints mechanisms.

The publication can be downloaded at http://www.icmm.com/library

Publisher’s Note - Due to hard copy production procedures, this electronic version of the Bulletin may not be identical to the hard copy version. The differences will be of a minor nature and relate to layout and late typographic and proof reading errors.