Tag: Dust Suppressor

It appears most Australians are sympathetic to the plight of farming communities in NSW and Queensland opposed to coal seam gas mining. A recent opinion poll has shown support for a moratorium on the controversial process – at least until environmentally-friendly liquids are used to extract the methane trapped deep underground.

Most Australians support the push for a moratorium on coal seam gas mining, according to a new Galaxy poll released by the Australian Greens.

A poll of 1048 people has found that 68 per cent of us want coal seam gas projects to be halted until environmental impacts are better known.

This includes the possible contamination of underground water aquifers due to the extraction process, known as fracking. Critics claim this is not eco-friendly: Industrial liquids forced into the gas seams in underground rock contain water, sand and chemicals.

This chemical cocktail has been linked to contamination of groundwater in Wyoming by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Community concern

Greens leader Senator Bob Brown said of those polled, 70 per cent wanted an outright ban on CSG mining in cities and towns. He said the poll was conducted across age groups and that those surveyed were a cross-section of the community, including rural, regional and city areas of each state.

“There is overwhelming support from the Australian people for a moratorium on this potentially devastating industry,” Senator Brown said.

Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters said protecting groundwater in agricultural areas was critical to Australia’s food security.

“The stampede for profits from coal seam gas risks Australia’s best food-growing land and its underground water supplies – food security should be beyond politics,” Senator Waters said.

“You can’t eat coal and you can’t drink gas.”

What are the risks?

Coal seam gas industry players argue methane produces greener energy than coal-fired power.

There have been moves to make the fracking process more eco-friendly. Liquid fracking products using a group of volatile organic compounds known as BTEX have been banned in Australia. A new more environmentally-friendly liquid using sand, salts, polymers and water is being hailed as ‘greener chemistry’.

Critics still argue this fracking cocktail is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste from drilling wells is highly saline and needs to be properly managed.

They are concerned that any contamination of groundwater or surface water is hard to contain. Green revolution proponents point to the irony of drilling for methane on prime farming land – claiming methane can be better produced from cow, pig, chicken or vegetable waste.

Chemicals can have a devastating environmental and health legacy. Envirosafe Solutions is a leading supplier of environmental cleaning products. The all Australian company has an Extreme Green range which delivers effective results while being gentler on the environment. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://greens.org.au/content/survey-shows-majority-want-coal-seam-gas-moratorium

http://directaction.org.au/issue29/growing_opposition_to_coal_seam_gas_mining

Concern over the environmental impact of coal seam gas mining is rising. Communities affected by the new mining boom in Queensland and NSW have welcomed a recent Senate committee report calling for a moratorium on all new projects pending scientific research, particularly into the non-eco-friendly industrial liquids used.

A moratorium should be placed on any future coal seam gas mining projects until more scientific research is conducted, according to a Federal Senate committee.

The committee’s interim report was handed down in late November, 2011 with a final report due in June 2012.

The 24 recommendations contained in the report are aimed at addressing concerns over coal seam gas mining, which critics claim is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste water is highly saline and can contain chemical residues, which must be disposed of carefully.

The process for extracting the coal seam gas, known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, involves forcing a cocktail of chemicals, water and sand into rock cracks to pump out trapped methane.

While methane produces 40 per cent less greenhouse gases than coal-fired power, mining it is not eco-friendly. Liquid products forced deep underground to extract the gas have been linked to pollution of underground water aquifers.

Debate over fracking is extreme. Green MPs, environmental activities and farming communities have called for an immediate halt to any new developments pending more research into whether it’s environmentally friendly. Liquid groundwater contamination would be dire in key farming areas and near drinking water supplies and rivers.

The Senate report has recommended:

• A moratorium on future CST mining pending an independent assessment of Earth surface movements and whether salt and brine residue can be removed;
• Due consideration of the impact of CSG mining on surrounding areas with a permanent ban in strategic cropping land;
• The area where the Murray-Darling Basin and Great Artesian Basin overlap should be off-limits pending the results of at least two scientific studies;
• A review of the chemicals used in the fracking process (like non-environmental cleaning products, some of these chemicals are carcinogenic).

A ban has been placed on the most dangerous batch known as BTEX. These volatile organic compounds –  benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene – have been used in non-eco-friendly industrial fracking liquids. The fracking process itself has also been found to release naturally occurring BTEX, according to the Greens.

The senate committee has acknowledged community opposition to CSG mining, but argued that with careful controls the sector could co-exist peacefully with farmers.

It has said communities should reap the benefits of the booming CSG industry, which it predicts may only last for another 50 years.

Chemicals used in coal seam methane extraction, like non-environmental cleaning products, risk groundwater and soil pollution.

Leading supplier of eco-friendly industrial liquids Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the mining sector to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Its Extreme Green range includes solvent-free degreasers, hard-water laundry liquid, industrial hand cleaner and fuel conditioners and treatments. For information on non-toxic solutions to reduce your environmental footprint contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/senate-committee-wants-csg-mining-to-halt-20111130-1o6ll.html

http://greens.org.au/content/greens-welcome-belated-btex-ban-csg

A NSW coal mine has been fined for polluting a nearby creek with wastewater containing detergent and effluent. The contamination has highlighted the need for the mining sector to take its environmental obligations seriously. Switching from toxic chemicals to environmental cleaning products is a simple step toward a greener industry.

The operators of the Austar Coal mine in NSW have been fined more than $115,000 over pollution which leaked from its site into a nearby creek in July 2010.

The company was convicted in the NSW Land and Environment Court on December 12, 2011.

It was ordered to pay $75,000 toward environmental rehabilitation of the contaminated site and $42,000 in legal costs.

The mine operates about 10km south-west of Cessnock in NSW’s Newcastle Coalfields. Wastewater containing detergent and effluent leaked into nearby Bellbird Creek, creating a toxic environment for aquatic life.

The mining sector has struggled against public perception that it is not environmentally-friendly. Liquid waste management can be more effectively tackled when eco-friendly industrial liquids are used instead of dangerous chemicals.

EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford said the fine “reflected the need for companies such as Austar to take every precaution to ensure that pollution doesn’t occur”.

“The wastewater contained detergent and effluent from bathhouse facilities located on the Austar site and caused large clumps of white foam up to two metres high to be washed downstream,” he said.

“The elevated levels of detergent, nutrients and faecal matter along approximately 2km of Bellbird Creek were toxic to aquatic life.”

“This incident could have been prevented if Austar had an appropriate system in place to inspect, monitor and maintain the 90-year-old onsite septic system.”

Leading Australian environmental cleaning products supplier Envirosafe Solutions’ director Murray Simon said that there were alternative products available that reduced the risk of chemical pollution.

The Perth-based company has recently incorporated a greywater safety rating on its product labels.

“Choosing environmentally friendly liquids over more toxic chemicals is one really easy way to improve your environmental credentials and reduce your impact on our precious waterways,” Mr Simon said.

“None of our products contain any added sulphate or other cheap but unnecessary fillers.

“One example is our low-phosphate laundry-powder, which is still highly effective in hardwater conditions common at remote mining sites.

“Australian soils are mostly deficient in phosphorous so there are possible benefits from phosphorous in greywater discharge, but if this finds its water into waterways it can promote toxic algal blooms.”

For more information on reducing the risk of chemical pollution by switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Coal-mine-fined

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia11121301.htm

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/about_menu.php?id=11

http://www.austarcoalmine.com.au/

The threat to fish stocks from commercial fishing has prompted a raft of conservation measures. Proposed marine parks along sections of Australia’s coastal waters are aimed at restoring delicate ecosystems and environmental conservation. Cleaning product chemicals and pollution combine with overfishing to present a challenge for conservationists.

Proposed marine parks aimed at preserving fish stocks have been opposed by Western Australia’s Fisheries Minister.

Norman Moore has said the impact of a marine park network would be extreme. Greenactivists have welcomed government plans to introduce the parks to restore fish stocks.

Mr Moore said WA’s fisheries were “some of the best managed in the world” and that its marine environment was “well-managed” and eco-friendly. Liquid products including chemicals found in industrial and household wastewater, plastic pollution and oil spills also threaten marine environments.

Conservationists have argued for the formation of the marine parks to provide a protected habitat for fish and other marine species.

Mr Moore has argued against a ban on fishing in these zones.

“I do not see the need for the extensive network of ‘no take’ zones proposed by the Commonwealth,” he said.

“WA’s fisheries are regarded as some of the best managed in the world. I do not support the ‘lock up’ of an area if other management systems and processes can be implemented to protect certain species and biodiversity values.”

In recent years catch quotas for rock lobster and demersal scalefish have been halved to ensure commercial fishing sustainability.

Conservationists believe the catch reduction shows local fish stocks have been overfished beyond what is considered environmentally-friendly. Liquid marine breeding sanctuaries would provide a breeding ground for threatened species.

“There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that rock lobster are recovering,” University of WA Oceans Institute research professor Jessica Meeuwig has said.

“There’s been no published evidence on the recovery of dhufish, baldchin grouper and these are species only found in WA. Of the four local shark species, two are at unacceptable levels of breeding stock.”

Commercial fishing activities are not the only threat to fish stocks, according to the WA Conservation Council’s Tim Nicol. He says research points to recreational fishing as having a significant environmental impact. Cleaning products and other pollutants are also threatening ocean health.

“In WA the most researched and threatened fish are the demersal reef fish and in particular the WA Dhufish,” Mr Nicol said.

“Estimates in 2005/2006 show recreational fishers took 319 tonnes of fish compared to commercial fishers who took 163.9 tonnes – meaning recreational fishers took 66.1 per cent of the catch.”

Improving ocean health and fish stocks requires a concerted effort by commercial and recreational sectors as well as polluting industries, including off-shore mining operations.

Eco-friendly industrial liquids offer a solution to the traditional chemicals which add to marine pollution. Leading environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range includes biodegradable marine glass cleaner and solvent-free degreasers. For more information on safe, hardworking environmentally friendly liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/dont-lock-up-our-fisheries-urges-minister/story-e6frg19l-1226171095771

http://ccwa.org.au/blogs/does-recreational-fishing-impact-fish-stocks-and-environment

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been heralded as an alternative to diesel for the fuel-thirsty transport industry. The opening of the first Micro-LNG processing plant in Tasmania in February was touted as a step toward a more eco-friendly industry. Liquid natural gas appears promising but questions remain over its environmental credentials.

The opening of a new micro-LNG plant in Westbury, Tasmania, in February was a milestone for a technology which could potentially transform Australian transport industry.

LNG has emerged as a promising alternative fuel source to replace diesel for the heavy vehicle transport sector. Promoted as an environmentally friendly liquid, LNG has been limited by a lack of a distribution network.

The development of the micro-plant and associated supply chain was described as a significant achievement.

“Developments such as this micro-plant and associated supply infrastructure reduce the ‘chicken and egg’ nexus between fuel and vehicle supply that has stymied the uptake of LNG in the past,” Federal Minister for Resources and Energy martin Ferguson said.

“LNG can help the heavy-duty vehicle transport industry achieve significant fuel savings and emission reductions compared with diesel.

“Australia’s LNG production is going from strength to strength and projects such as this one which bring together innovation and investment are an example of the many opportunities on offer in the industry.”

What is LNG

LNG is a natural gas consisting primarily of methane which has been cooled to minus 161 degrees to reach a liquid state. Considered to be an environmentally-friendly liquid, the product is reduced in volume from its gaseous form by more than 600 times.

It is considered a safe environmentally-friendly liquid because it is not flammable or explosive.

LNG exports

Australia has become a major exporter of LNG and has been tipped to become the world’s biggest exporter by 2020.

LNG exports for 2009-10 were valued at $7.8 billion and new investments such as the micro-LNG plant in Westbury are increasing its availability to local networks.

Environmental impact

Oil giant BOC (the company behind the Westbury plant) describes LNG as an environmentally-friendly liquid releasing up to 20 per cent less greenhouse gases than diesel.

It has identified LNG as the cleanest burning fossil fuel which could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an economical and environmental alternative for the transport industry.

Opponents argue the resources being pumped into LNG will reduce the viability of more sustainable, renewable energy sources in the future. They cite production of LNG as a major contributor to greenhouse gases including:

• Extraction techniques in particular coal seam gas mining;
• Production plants and the process of transforming the gas into a liquid;
• Transportation including exports overseas;
• The need to turn LNG back into a gas;

Methane, a major component of LNG, has also been described as more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

The way forward

Despite still being considered by some as another dirty fossil-fuel, LNG looks set to offer a viable alternative to diesel for Australia’s transport sector in the future.

While not totally environmentally-friendly, liquid natural gas developments signal a commitment toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other measures include switching from traditional chemical cleaners and treatments to eco-friendly industrial liquids.

Perth-based environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the heavy transport industry to deliver powerful, non-toxic products ideal for the workshop. Its Extreme Green range includes fuel treatment Diesel Bug Killer, which improves performance while reducing emissions. For more information on Diesel Bug Killer or other environmental cleaning products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

Transport

http://www.primemovermag.com.au/news/article/cleaner-greener-transport

http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/upstream_petroleum/australian_liquefied_natural_gas/pages/home.aspx

More heatwaves and severe cyclones have been forecast by what has been described as the definitive verdict on climate change. More than 100 authors have contributed to the Special Report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A summary of the 800-page tome presents a grim scenario.

Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events according to a landmark report released by the IPCC in November, 2011.

The report brings together the work of more than 100 authors from across the globe, including Australia, and has been regarded as the final word on climate change, despite continued scepticism by green revolutioncritics.

The report claims:

• Temperatures have become more extreme – hotter and colder days are being experienced across the globe due to rising greenhouse gases;
• The frequency of hot days will increase by a factor of 10 in most regions of the world;
• More intense and longer droughts have been observed;
• Tropical cyclones are expected to become more severe, with heavier rain and stronger winds although their frequency is likely to remain the same or decrease.

IPCC Working Group II co-chair Chris Field said while the scenarios contained in the report were grim, there was scope for environmentally friendly action. Liquid acid rain, air pollution, rising ocean levels and water shortages should trigger reform, not despair.

“We hope this report can be a scientific foundation for sound decisions on infrastructure, urban development, public health, and insurance as well as for planning – from community organisations to international disaster risk management,” he said.

Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Efficiency minister Greg Combet welcomed the release of the Special Report.

“This report demonstrates that globally, climate change is likely to lead to more heatwaves, heavy rainfall and coastal inundation and droughts and tropical cyclones are projected to become more intense,” Mr Combet said.

“Australians are well acquainted with the devastating impacts of extreme events. In the past two years, much of the eastern states have been significantly impacted by events including heatwaves, bushfires, extreme flooding and cyclones.”

Climate change has been compounded by other environmental challenges, including increased pollution. The rise of a so-called ‘throw-away society’ has increased plastic waste while non-environmental cleaning products has contributed to water and soil pollution.

While threats are extreme, green activities believe positive social and policy change can stem climate change impacts.

“”The Government is working to reduce the severity of these impacts by reducing our carbon pollution as part of international efforts to tackle climate change, and adapting to the impacts that cannot be avoided,” Mr Combet said.

The green revolution underway among everyday Australians has been noticeable.

Australian environmental cleaning company Envirosafe Solution believes environmental concerns are driving the business sector toward more sustainable practices.

“The green revolution is becoming more mainstream,” Envirosafe Solutions director Murray Simon said. “There is a real acceptance that as consumers of the Earth’s natural resources we have reached a critical point. Small changes to the way we live our lives and run our businesses are creating positive change.”

For more information on making the switch away from harsh chemicals toward eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/greg-combet/2011/media-releases/November/mr20111119.aspx

http://ipcc-wg2.gov/SREX/images/uploads/SREX-SPM_Approved-HiRes_opt.pdf

In the past decade, both steel and lumber companies have received a great deal of bad press and publicity due to their seemingly detrimental effects upon the earth. While an argument can be made in support of either side, it is especially important to examine just exactly how these companies run their operations. Even ecologically sensitive people know that sometimes we need good steel and lumber, and sometimes these materials can be recovered and renovated from old structures to use in new structures. In fact, many current home improvement and home building television shows active illustrate how they took wood or steel from a previous, dilapidated building or home and reused it, with just as much practicality, in a new construction project. Environmentalists the world over often protest at how much waste can be avoided by using recovered and reestablished materials from torn down buildings or places which have fallen into disrepair.

While industrial steel used in foundations and in core structures of buildings is typically brand new, many companies, interior decorators, and architects are recommending, using, and publicly supporting the use of recovered wood and steel in the use of non-supporting facades, stylistic design, and even in core branding. Companies enjoy doing this because their headquarters can sometimes be lavish, seemingly costly structures which may not appeal to more hardcore environmentalists, but the use of recovered materials often softens their public image and helps them to seem more earth friendly. As any marketing strategist can tell you, in the eyes of the consumer, perception IS reality. If a company is perceived as eco friendly, or at the very least lenient on the subject, their image is more approachable, cleaner, and safer in the minds of their customers.

Envirosafe Solutions supports all use of effectively and safely recovered material in the use of new building and construction projects. We can take better care of our planet if we watch how well we manage our resources. For more information on using eco friendly surfactants, degreasers, and glass cleaners in your business, call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

One of the reasons why businesses are so eager to begin researching and adopting environmental practices is that setting an example does two things: 1. Setting an example of eco friendly practices encourages surrounding companies to do the same thing and this, in turn, tends to lead to lower cost of environmentally friendly operation since it is in greater demand. 2. Setting an example of eco friendly behavior directly impacts the environment, and therefore the wealth increase, around the physical location of the business itself. Companies in more well-to-do neighborhoods are more likely to receive higher quality community funding and a wealthier customer base. In Arizona, U.S.A., the ecological and economical variances and correlations in Phoenix were measured between 1970 and 2000. It turns out that today we are affecting our economic growth by only allowing ecological sustaining to occur in wealthier areas of the city. These areas are cool, green, nicer, and above the pay grade of the hotter, more desert-like conditions of poorer areas of the city which are not able to maintain ecological funding and area development. A business can greatly help itself by setting an example for businesses around them, thus lowering the cost of eco friendly operations, and by assisting the area around the business by increasing the living conditions and lifestyle of the inhabitants and employees. It turns out that ecological and economical development CAN go hand in hand. So does that mean that ecology does not have to be expensive?

One of the reasons why companies shy away from using eco friendly products is that the really effective ones can be really expensive. Unfortunately, until more people become aware of the condition of our planet and invest further in environmentally friendly production and development, these products may not be used enough to really drive price down. Fortunately, there are some companies, like Envirosafe Solutions, which are able to research and produce cost effective and produce effective eco friendly solutions for your home or office location. All of our hand sanitisers, kitchen products, laundry products, and degreasers are safe if used as directed and come with a 30 day money back guarantee. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/12/environmental-gap/

Creating your own garden compost is a wonderful way to add to your environment, maintain eco friendly viability and to continue sustainability on our planet. In a recent article by Bonnie Grant, she describes how compost is a living organism which contains both nutrition and aeration. You must be very careful in maintaining this good supplementation to your garden. Not many gardeners take composting seriously, but it must be remembered that refined, sifted or thinned soil of any kind contains less bacteria, fewer organisms, and less decomposition. It is this rotting, moisture, decay, and breakdown of organic material which adds nutrition and “spices” to the food of the plant. The best compost provides the best food for your plants. This is why it is such a good idea to reuse unprocessed plant materials and return them to the ground in the agricultural industry. All breakdown of organic matter is beneficial to your crops, but breakdown of specific plants will return that same plant nutrition to the ground to help fuel the next crop of the same or similar plants. The entire process is highly self sufficient and, more importantly, it uses all parts of the organic decay in the growth process. Nothing is wasted or un-reusable, which is the entire basis for our current eco friendly movement.

Creating your own garden compost can be as simple as turning your composter over every day and adding all of your kitchen scraps to the compost in order to keep a balanced salad of decay, or it can be as complex as planning what chemistry you want to feed your plants or what will go best with them, then planning what type of decay and organic materials should be in your compost, putting in the appropriate worms to facilitate the decomposition, and even purchasing a special composter which will keep everything moist but still aerated and loose at all times. Whether it is for your own garden, for a city-wide flower operation, or for something a bit more widespread, decay needs to be rich and varied, and the soil should be both loose and moist. It is only with the correct amount of moisture that decay can be achieved.

Envirosafe Solutions offers Soil Wetta and dust suppressant for your agricultural or gardening needs, and all of our products are eco friendly. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting-basics/storing-compost.htm