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Issue 149, March 2018
Stopping the coal fires burning?
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Proposed government legislation could affect smoke emissions from solid fuel stoves on boats. PHOTO: WATERWAY IMAGES
Government targets solid fuels in pollution purge By Harry Arnold
RECENTLY announced government proposals to reduce air pollution from open fires by introducing legislation to ban the sale of coal as a household
Bridge shortlisted
fuel could affect boaters with stoves burning solid fuel. Environment secretary Michael Gove is targeting home fires because they are the largest single source of particulates that contribute to lung
THE reconstruction of Elland Bridge, which was catastrophically damaged in the 2015 Boxing Day floods, has been shortlisted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in its Yorkshire and Humber regional awards. The awards showcase outstanding work by civil engineers across the region and will take place in Harrogate on March 2. The Elland Bridge Reconstruction has been shortlisted for the Smeaton Award for projects costing less than £5 million.
and heart disease, apparently causing 29,000 early deaths a year. About 40% of particulates in 2015 came from this source – more than double the proportion from diesel cars. Restrictions could also be placed
More rescues
RIVER Canal Rescue reports that the number of rescues it has carried out have again reached a new high. In 2017, teams attended 162 incidents (137 major and 25 minor), 8% up from 150 (119 major and 31 minor) in 2016. Outside the rescue requests, RCR call-outs – from electrical, fuel and engine issues to flat batteries, overheating and gear box failures – totalled 4691, up 115 from 4576 the previous year.
on the burning of wet wood, a practice often seen on canal boats. A wood-burning stove can produce more particulates than a heavy goods vehicle. • Continued on page 2
Peak project
WORK has started on a major £2.5 million project to repair part of the historic Peak Forest Canal in Marple, Cheshire. The Canal & River Trust is undertaking major repairs to three locks on the Marple Lock Flight and installing a bespoke parapet railing on the Grade I listed Marple Aqueduct. The four-month project, which started in January, is being funded by the trust and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.