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Introduction
Many industrial and commercial
facilities have private drainage systems
that discharge to public sewers and
watercourses. Over time and as sites
are altered and redeveloped, the drainage
records can become inaccurate and lose
their reliability. The drainage system
may separate foul wastewater, process
waste and stormwater runoff, but misconnections
can lead to the water entering the wrong
pipe resulting in overloaded pipes and
pollution.
Illegal discharges may result in punitive
fines being levied by the environmental
regulator with the polluter being held
responsible for the clean-up costs of
any pollution or environmental damage.
This can arise from both accidental
spillages and gradual pollution incidents
with the same consequences.
Legislation
The EC Directive on Integrated
Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC)
is implemented through the Pollution
Prevention and Control (England and
Wales) Regulations 2000. The Regulations
cover a range of industrial, manufacturing
and production processes and are designed
to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution
at source.
The Environment Agency, within a regulatory
framework, ensures that environmental
and discharge standards are set and
enforced.
Clear Concept
Pollution incidents are usually
avoidable, particularly if drainage
records are updated and maintained as
this allows good site practices to be
properly planned and followed.
Clear provides a comprehensive capability
of data capture, site investigation,
tracing, evaluation, recommendation
and solutions to site facility drainage
problems.
Data Capture
Initially, a desk study is
undertaken using available records and
construction drawings and consultations
with maintenance and operations managers.
Following the collation of existing
data any site inspections can be planned.
Where required, records can be transferred
to digital systems such as GIS (Geographical
Information System) to provide accessible
and manageable data. We can provide
a comprehensive mapping service to digitise
existing data and create detailed drainage
records.
Site Investigation
Physical inspection of the
facility drainage systems can help to
determine the connectivity and directions
of flow of drainage assets. Manhole
surveys can be used to update existing
records with pipe sizes and level data.
CCTV survey inspection can be used as
a means of examining pipelines without
excavation. Within certain limitations,
CCTV inspection can determine the condition
of a pipe, the locations of any structural
or operational defects and whether there
are any connections.
Pollution Tracing
Where a pollution incident
has occurred the source of pollution
may not always be evident. Pollution
can be traced and identified through
physical, chemical and laboratory testing
to pinpoint the source emitter.
Solutions and Recommendations
The results of investigations
are analysed by our experienced staff,
who will make recommendations to resolve
problems and to mitigate any damage.
Our engineers can optimise engineering
solutions to any drainage problems in
the facility to achieve a cost effective
outcome. If necessary, the system can
be modelled to determine the probability
of surcharging or flooding or to determine
available capacity for future development.
Clear provides in-house survey,
mapping, modelling and design capabilities
with a flexible approach to deliver
a service to suit your specific needs.
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