Pollution prevention guidelines for construction firms

Steve Wenham, technical advisor at the Agency, said: "In 2006 the construction and demolition industry was responsible for 271 pollution incidents causing environmental damage, of which 123 were to water. Of these, 18 incidents were serious causing significant damage to watercourses.

"These incidents are not only damaging to our environment, but it can leave the responsible company with an expensive clean up bill. Under the law those who pollute our environment have to pay the clean up costs."

He added: "The guidelines offer some simple steps companies can take to assess the potential impact of their work and identify preventative action they can take to protect our environment."

'PPG5 – Works and maintenance in or near water' can be downloaded from the Environment Agency's website free of charge - see link above/right.