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Pollution

"There were over 29 000 confirmed pollution incidents in 2003" (Environment Agency).

"England is one of the most brightly lit countries in Europe" (Environment Agency).

So what is Pollution?

Pollution is anything that disturbs or is a hazard to the natural environment. This can range from noise and light to chemical smog and poisonous effluent.

Some pollutants can cause irreparable damage, others are much easier to prevent and clean.

Some of the common forms of pollution include:

  • Acid rain
  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Smoke
  • Smog
  • Chemical effluent
  • Gases
  • Odour

The sources of pollution vary, some may be obviously illegal such as fly tipping and illegal chemical discharge, and others may have permits and be allowed in certain quantities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union set the standards for pollution levels in the UK. For example, the WHO recommends that the noise limit for daytime should be no louder than 55 decibels. If these various standards are breached they can be deemed as a concern to health.

What should businesses do?

If your business pollutes your regulator (Environment Agency or local authority - councils) should be aware. If you are at all unsure about your pollution contact your regulator and check. further guidance can be found in Netregs

Why reduce pollution?

Companies that pollute heavily are often disliked by consumers and receive negative publicity. Local residents may also issues complaints to their council if pollution levels are high.

Reducing pollution can be economically efficient. Clean processes often produce less waste and utilise raw materials more effectively. Clean up costs and compensating the public for any pollution release or spillage can also be very costly.

If other firms are considering their own supply chains and have implemented environmental policies they may choose not to purchase from manufacturers unable to demonstrate adequate environmental responsibility.

How to reduce pollution

  • Assess effluent streams, mark the pollution outlets and their cause
  • Know the legal limits for the pollution - check the latest legislation
  • Consider changing processes in order to create less waste
  • Re-use, recondition or clean the pollutant before it is released
  • Consider abatement technology

Setting targets

Set targets for reducing pollution on site. Start with compliance to legal limits and aim to reduce this further. The benefits of reducing pollution below the required level will be noticed through contribution to an environmental standard or award and positive advertising of achievements.

Steps to take

  1. Appoint a pollution and waste officer or manager
  2. Explore the benefits of pollution reduction and make staff aware of the potential gains
  3. Examine the current and future pollution legislation (look at the legislation section of this site and the Environment Agency's NetRegs)
  4. Set targets for pollution reduction
  5. Set ways of achieving pollution reduction
  6. Train staff in new methods and practices
  7. Assess progress regularly
pollution from chimney

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