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Stay green—or face the wrath of the local council

26th September 1996
Page 54
Page 54, 26th September 1996 — Stay green—or face the wrath of the local council
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• An operator who generates excessive fumes, noise or smell from his premises could attract the unwelcome attention of his local authority's environmental health department. It can impose an abatement notice obliging you to end the nuisance, and take you to court if you ignore it. In an extreme case it can call in the Environment Protection Agency, which has wide powers of enforcement and prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

A conviction under the act can also prompt your local Traffic Commissioner to launch a public inquiry. Bear in mind too that applications to vary an existing licence or make a material change to the operating centre could prompt objections from the local authority if you have already proved to be an environmentally unfriendly company.

One way of ensuring that you are cleaner-than-clean is to call in an independent consultant who will carry out an environmental audit. Specialists in this area include: • Ward International Consulting: 01329 280280

Its reports will typically cover visual intrusion, noise, smell, airborne particulates, waste and its disposal, storage of hydrocarbons, and office systems and procedures.

Ward International says

banks, insurers, and prospective purchasers are all taking an increasingly keen interest in the environmental state of property. A haulage yard which has been subject to 30 years of oil and diesel spillages may have to have the first metre of

topsoil removed and replaced before it can be given a clean, Green bill of health; and without such a bill of health, a bank may decline to advance funds to a potential buyer.

• ERM EnviroClean: 01 865 793004

The Oxford-based company can carry out a variety of site audits, checking for contamination in the soil right down to the water table. An initial site visit and meeting, backed up by an assessment costs around £1,500. In the event of major contamination the company can carry out any necessary remedial work. For further information contact Colin Parker. Remember, if you're considering buying a site that has been used for industrial or commercial operations a site audit could save a lot of money. • The ETA: 01892 526171 The Freight Transport Association conducts half to full-day environmental assessments for members. The service costs around 2600.

• Transfrigoroute (UK): 01572 722489 The controlled-temperature trade association has produced an easyto-use 12-page environmental audit checklist which can be used by operators to evaluate the environmental impact of their operation. It covers noise, smell, water pollution, waste management, maintenance procedures, energy conservation, visual impact and staff awareness. By using the checklist an operator can draw up a practical environmental action plan which can be reviewed for progress. Copies of the audit/checklist, price 210, including postage and packing, can be obtained from Transfrigoroute UK, 6 Crown Walk, High Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6BZ.


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