Study confirms lower risk of MTBE pollution in UK than US

11 December 2000 18:50  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--The risk of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) entering public water supplies through groundwater contamination is much smaller in the UK than in the US, according to a recent study by the UK Environment Agency (EA) and the Institute of Petroleum.

MTBE has come to be seen as one of the most significant environmental pollutants in the US through the contamination of drinking water. But this was not found to be a major concern in the UK, the EA said in a statement Monday.

The study found:

• Much lower concentrations of MTBE in UK fuels (about one-tenth the concentration than in US gasoline).
• Greater distances between potential spill sites and water supply boreholes in the UK.
• Very different geology in the UK and a water supply infrastructure that is likely to be more protective of public water supplies.
• A greater incentive for good fuel storage due to higher costs in the UK.

The report is entitled "A Review of Current MTBE Usage and Occurrence in Groundwater of England and Wales."

By: Anna Jagger
+1 713 525 2653

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