EIC defends stance on particulate filters

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has hit back at the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) for stepping up its campaign against the requirement to retrofit DPFs to machines working on certain designated sites.

According to the EIC, which represents diesel particulate filter (DPF) manufacturers, poor air quality is currently estimated to reduce the life expectancy of every person in the UK by an average of seven to eight months. It impacts particularly on children, the elderly and those in poor health.

"Dust and emissions from demolition and construction sites have a significant impact on poor air quality, not only on the site itself, but also on the health of people living and working in the surrounding area. It is critical, therefore, that every available step is taken to ensure harmful emissions from these sites are kept at a minimum," said EIC public affairs manager Danny Stevens.

He added: "The London Best Practice Guidance sets out a sensible approach for major construction sites to take a lead in showing social responsibility by reducing pollution from the equipment used on those sites. It's hard to see how anyone can argue against such measures.

"We would urge organisations such as the CPA to stop campaigning against clean air and to encourage its members to recognise they must play their part in a responsible construction sector by tackling the pollution their equipment produces," he concluded."