Environment Agency locates source of industrial pollution in Kent
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Author:
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Georgina Harris
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Date published:
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1-Sep-2008
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Keywords:
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effluent; water; swalecliffe
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Following reports from several members of the public of a polluting substance in Swalecliffe Brook, Whitstable, Kent, Environment Agency officers have traced the pollutant to a surface water discharge from Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate.
The Swalecliffe Brook flows through Chestfield and Swalecliffe where it enters the sea at Long Rock. In order to track down the problem, the Environment Agency has used a number of techniques. Continuous monitoring has been used to determine how often and what time the discharge was taking place and officers have worked closely with Southern Water Services to insert cameras into drainage pipe work to look for clues. A hazardous waste audit and pollution prevention campaign was conducted at every business on the trading estate.
The pollutant was believed to be a mixture of chemicals used for a range of commercial purposes, the majority of which are of moderate to low toxicity to aquatic life. Now that the polluter has been located, the discharge has completely stopped.
Jon Griffin from the Environment Agency said:
“For legal reasons we are unable at this time to name the parties involved in this pollution. However, we are aware that local residents were getting concerned about the situation and are glad that all the work we have put in to find the culprit has led to a satisfactory conclusion and a complete stop to the illegal discharge.
“If members of the public witness any other similar incidents of suspected pollution, they can report it to us 24 hours a day using the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 807060. Our investigative techniques are getting more varied and sophisticated, so local communities can feel confident that we will continue to work hard, protecting the environment by tracking down offenders.”
