An Environment Agency decision to block proposals to almost treble sulphur dioxide emissions from Drax Power Station, near Selby, was today described as a "good old-fashioned British compromise."

National Power applied to the Agency to increase emissions from 100,000 to 270,000 tonnes a year while repairs are carried out to the station's flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment.

But the Agency said the emissions, the main cause of acid rain, should be only half the amount requested - and ordered the plant to return to its original emission limit by January 1 next year.

The Agency's Dales Area manager, Paul Tullett, said the absolute maximum of sulphur dioxide that Drax would be allowed to emit this year would be 190,000 tonnes. So far, the station had pumped out 75,000 tonnes.

He told a public meeting at Selby Civic Centre last night: "We have imposed tough conditions which will ensure that the FGD equipment is restored to full operation by the year end.

"The limit will be further reduced if trials of some of the FGD units, which are now taking place, prove successful.

"We believe our actions will ensure National Power meets the tightest possible timescale for repairing the FGD units, and keeps the increase in emissions to an absolute minimum."

Selby MP John Grogan said today: "It represents a good old-fashioned British compromise. It allows Drax to keep producing electricity, whilst keeping the pressure on National Power to repair the FGD plant as soon as possible.

"If the Environment Agency had not temporarily increased sulphur dioxide levels, it would have been a disaster for the Selby coalfield, which supplies most of Drax's fuel.

"Moreover, it would have been detrimental to the environment since Drax would have been replaced by other coal-fired power stations which emit far greater quantities of sulphur dioxide."

But the Agency's decision received a lukewarm welcome from Drax Power Station manager, Dr Derek Cheetham.

He said: "It doesn't give us any room for error. It assumes that the three FGD units which are now back in operation will continue running, and that the remaining three units will be back on line by the end of the year.

"It assumes a sequence of events, and if we don't achieve that sequence, it will be quite a challenge.

"I wouldn't say the new limit is tough, but it isn't easy.

"I think the public would have been surprised and disappointed if we had been given the full amount we requested now that three FGD units are running."

The public now has a further two weeks to comment on the Agency's decision. Comments should be sent to Fiona Pickard, Environment Agency, Coverdale House, Aviator Court, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4GZ.

Selby District Council's assistant chief executive, Mike White, said: "The figure is near to our own recommendation of 180,000 tonnes, so we're reasonably pleased.

"I think the decision is realistic and fair."

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