Firms urged to carry out environmental assessments

Environmental update - 02/06/2011

All contractors and demolition firms are being advised to ensure they carry out a thorough environmental assessment before starting work at a site.

The Environment Agency has issued the warning to help ensure that no contamination or pollution spills take place at the site once work has begun. The advice follows the prosecution of a Hyde-based demolition firm as a result of a serious black oil spill.

The Environment Agency's Stuart Lester, said, “Operators working near drains or watercourses should take every precaution when dealing with storage tanks where the state and contents are unknown.

“The Environment Agency is here to support companies who carry out activities which could have an impact on our environment. I would encourage any organisation to contact us for advice rather than have to fund an expensive clean up, and face possible prosecution,” he added.

The environmental body advised that taking the proper precautions prior to starting work on a site of any size would dramatically reduce the risk of any pollution as a result of leaks occurring. If a firm does not follow the agency's advice and contamination or pollution spills are found, they could face prosecution and a steep fine.