[Dioxin-l] Asking the right questions?

[Adrian Fox]

On February 29th, a group of us from The Air that We Breathe Group are
meeting with reps. from the UK Environment Agency to discuss the
procedures that have been used in recent tyre burning trials at our
local cement works. (Westbury, UK)  (We're limited to questioning
procedures as they say anything else might bias their eventual comments
on the trials and the eventual data!!  C**P!)
I'd be grateful if anyone could suggest what might be the best kind of
questions to ask to challenge the whole process. Clearly, we will be
challenging the number and adequacy of dioxin testing procedures, which
seem to be far less stringent than in many other countries, but what
else could we effectively question?
2. On dioxin limits, the EU Dioxin Exposure and Health Data report that
was referred to in a recent posting,  October 99, seems to indicate that
UK emission limits (for municipal waste incinerators) is set at 1.0 ng
I-TEQ/m3, compared to 0.1 for most other European countries.  This seems
scarcely credible.  Is this true?  What are the limits for cement kilns?
3. Extractive sampling: I'm told that extractive samples should have
been taken from a duct in the kiln/stack that is LESS than 1m in
diameter, but this is not the case. Does anyone have any knowledge of
regulations for such sampling, or procedures that are used elsewhere?
(Sorry this one is so vague)
4. Particulate measurement.  A member of our group reported on methods
that can be used by campaigners to sample particulate levels near
incineration processes. There was talk of a device costing about 4k (UK
pounds), but someone else said it was possible to use simpler devices.
Any information from people who have got involved in particulate
sampling would be helpful.
Thanks
Adrian 
-- 
Adrian Fox