Post by Holton Heath on Dec 30, 2008 15:01:15 GMT
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/99533.aspx
Dorset industrial estate under spotlight in pollution crackdown
Author: Mike Dunning
Date published: 20-Nov-2008
The Environment Agency is launching an anti-pollution campaign on the Holton Heath Industrial Estate to protect nearby Poole Harbour.
The move follows a series of pollution incidents in the area – two of which resulted in the temporary closure of a nearby sewage treatment works after a mystery chemical or other pollutant ‘knocked out’ the works. Wessex Water had to use a fleet of tankers to take sewage away for treatment.
Investigations failed to trace the source of the pollution that damaged the sewage works and cost Wessex Water a considerable amount of money.
Situated between Poole and Wareham, Holton Heath has undergone major expansion in recent years and is home to a wide range of businesses including chemical companies, engineering workshops and road transport hauliers. All sewage from the estate is treated at the local sewage works that discharges into Poole Harbour.
The Agency plans to tackle the problem by launching an awareness-raising campaign at Holton Heath in conjunction with Wessex Water. This winter Agency officers will visit every company on the estate to remind businesses to take care when disposing of chemicals and wash-down water to prevent pollution.
‘We set very stringent quality standards on all sewage works, particularly at Holton Heath, because it discharges into Poole Harbour, an important coastal water used by migrating salmon and sea trout entering local rivers,’ said Steve Griffiths for the Environment Agency.
‘Chemicals and oils can cause serious pollution and damage sewage treatment works. We are asking companies to take a moment to ensure any chemicals on their site are kept safe. Chemicals must never be poured down any drain and companies should tell us when a spillage occurs.’
‘They also need to familiarise themselves with the drainage system on the estate and get to know which is foul water and which is storm water. If companies would like a pre-visit or a chat before hand please get in touch.’
Dorset industrial estate under spotlight in pollution crackdown
Author: Mike Dunning
Date published: 20-Nov-2008
The Environment Agency is launching an anti-pollution campaign on the Holton Heath Industrial Estate to protect nearby Poole Harbour.
The move follows a series of pollution incidents in the area – two of which resulted in the temporary closure of a nearby sewage treatment works after a mystery chemical or other pollutant ‘knocked out’ the works. Wessex Water had to use a fleet of tankers to take sewage away for treatment.
Investigations failed to trace the source of the pollution that damaged the sewage works and cost Wessex Water a considerable amount of money.
Situated between Poole and Wareham, Holton Heath has undergone major expansion in recent years and is home to a wide range of businesses including chemical companies, engineering workshops and road transport hauliers. All sewage from the estate is treated at the local sewage works that discharges into Poole Harbour.
The Agency plans to tackle the problem by launching an awareness-raising campaign at Holton Heath in conjunction with Wessex Water. This winter Agency officers will visit every company on the estate to remind businesses to take care when disposing of chemicals and wash-down water to prevent pollution.
‘We set very stringent quality standards on all sewage works, particularly at Holton Heath, because it discharges into Poole Harbour, an important coastal water used by migrating salmon and sea trout entering local rivers,’ said Steve Griffiths for the Environment Agency.
‘Chemicals and oils can cause serious pollution and damage sewage treatment works. We are asking companies to take a moment to ensure any chemicals on their site are kept safe. Chemicals must never be poured down any drain and companies should tell us when a spillage occurs.’
‘They also need to familiarise themselves with the drainage system on the estate and get to know which is foul water and which is storm water. If companies would like a pre-visit or a chat before hand please get in touch.’