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ctivities carried out at a depot bring the operator within

16th August 2001, Page 33
16th August 2001
Page 33
Page 34
Page 33, 16th August 2001 — ctivities carried out at a depot bring the operator within
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the scope of legislation that controls waste, noise and emissions into the atmosphere and water courses. Operators must also think about the impact their premises have on the local community. One of the conditions of the 0-licence is 'good repute', and under the licensing regulations residents have a legal right to complain to the Traffic Commissioner, challenging the suitability of the site for the operation of HCVs. In fact, this can threaten its closure altogether.

The introduction of environmental requirements in the 0-licence regulations gave operators their first taste of the effects of environmental legislation. These measures covered good neighbourliness and encouraged operators to relocate noisy and odorous activities, such as pallet stacking and vehicle refuelling, far as possible from neighbouring homes. If this was not possible, regula tions would require the erection of acoustic screens and the use of silencers on equipment as a condition for the site's continued use. Even depots on industrial estates were restricted on the timing and routing of vehicle arrivals and departures.

Spillages

More recently, haulage yards have come under the scrutiny of air and water quality regulators as potential sources of pollution. Spillages and run-off from fuel storage tanks soon attract the attention of water companies, which can trace the source of noxious substances in sewers quite easily through the drainage system. Even washing vehicles can produce large volumes of contaminated water. This type of pollution can find Its way into drinking water reservoirs or rivers, causing a serious health hazard to local homes and fish populations.

All depots produce waste of some kind, especially those incorporating warehousing and repackaging facilities. Much of this waste, along with office stationary, can be recycled.

Workshops can also create a large volume of waste. Depots that handle foodstuffs, chemicals and other liquids are subject to strict controls on storage and disposal, on top of the health and safety legislation that applies

to substances classed as dangerous goods. D

These functions are regulated by the Environment Agency (EA). The EA can force operators to change depot procedures and, if necessary, insist on the introduction of expensive pollution control equipment if effluent is polluting local watercourses or the atmosphere. An operator who is charged with wilful disposal of harmful waste could end up in a crown court facing the possibility of imprisonment. Even unwitting polluters can face hefty fines.

The local authority will also prosecute an operator who buys a cheap contaminated site, if the site was sold on the understanding that the purchaser would pay to clean it up. If the operator is unaware of his legacy, the original polluter will be found and prosecuted.

Other forms of pollution include odour and noise. The environmental department of a local authority will investigate complaints about the noise or smell emitting from a site, if it is bad enough to affect neighbouring peoples' enjoyment of their properties. The RHA says it gets frustrated when a member's business, or plans for expansion, are curtailed by the representations of new neighbours when new housing developments are built.

Most local authorities would flag up any potential for conflict if a developer planned to build a housing estate next to a haulage yard, and would specify that all neighbouring dwellings were fitted with appropriate soundproofing. The authority may refuse planning permission altogether if the proposed measures were not deemed adequate.

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Organisations: Environment Agency

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