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Protecting our Marine Environment - Environmental Protection - Appendix 6 Construction Leaflet - Sub

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VIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, ENVIRONMENT DIVISION, Pollution from Construction Construction Pollution NNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

or disturb many potentially polluting materialsConstruction and demolition activities can use, create Prevention Checklist

Construction including silt, cement, oil, fuel and chemicals.

Water containing silt and other suspended material I

Planning and PreparationInvestigate the previous use of the land. This will must undergo a settlement or filtration processbefore being discharged. arnd the aquatic environment

identify whether or not a site that is intended for Cement and concrete are highly polluting. Mix them

development may be contaminated. Sites that may in a contained area and don't allow the washings

be contaminated include garages, petrol stations, from plant or machinery to enter surface water

gas works, dry cleaners etc. The relevant policy and drains.

guidance note relating to the information that might Spilt oils, fuels or chemicals should never be washed

need to be provided in the process of applying for into a drain or watercourse or allowed to soak into

permission to develop land that is or might be the ground.

contaminated is available from Planning and

Building Services Tel: 445508. Contain leaks and spills of oil, fuel or chemicals

where possible and prevent the spill from entering

Ensure that there is a plan in place to deal with

any waste generated on site and that it complies drains or watercourses by using suitable absorbent

with the provisions of the Waste Management materials. Collect and dispose of contaminated

materials correctly in order to reduce the risk of

(Jersey) Law, 2005. Environmental Protection can

further pollution.

provide advice on the requirements of this Law

Tel: 441600. Report any spillages to Environmental Protection via

Alert staff to the potential causes and risks of the hotline number.

pollution from their individual activities. Ensure that

workers are fully aware of precautions to prevent Remember

pollution and procedures to follow in the event of Causing or knowingly permitting pollution of controlled

an accident. Make sure that there is an adequate waters is an offence under the Water Pollution (Jersey)

spill kit to use in the event of a spill or leak. Law, 2000. There are however strong defences that

Secure the site from vandalism and other third party

may be available to persons acting in a responsible

damage. Vandalism is a common factor leading to

manner. A copy of the law can be obtained from the

pollution e.g. by deliberate interference or collision.

States Greffe bookshop or it can be viewed at

Site Drainage www.jerseylegalinfo.je

On most sites there are likely to be two separate types of drainage system with which everyone Water

should be familiar. The  surface water system includes most roadside and other outside drains. Pollution

This system is designed to carry clean rain water

from rooftops roads and driveways. Surface water Hotline

drains almost always discharge into a watercourse and then on to the sea, and nothing which could Tel: 709535 cause pollution should enter them e.g. paints, oils,

silt. The  foul water system  carries foul water to

Bellozanne sewage treatment works or an

individual private sewage treatment system if the

property is not on mains drains. It may be possible

to pump certain types of effluent generated on

site to the foul sewer by prior arrangement with

Transport and Technical Services Tel: 445509.

Sources of Pollution from Construction

Silt

Silt may appear harmless because it is not directly toxic to aquatic life. It can however cause serious damage if washed into streams, ponds, reservoirs etc. Deposits of silt can cause problems with flooding, reduce the growth of aquatic plants and clog the gills of aquatic animals.

Silty water can arise from excavations, de-watering, borehole construction, exposed ground, stockpiles, plant and wheel washing and site roads. Water containing silt should never be pumped or discharged directly into a stream or

rf a e ater drain.


Sources of Pollution from Construction

Concrete and Cement

Fresh concrete and cement are very alkaline and corrosive and can cause serious pollution in watercourses. They raise the pH of the water, resulting in damage to biological aquatic habitats and may result in death to plants and animals including fish.

Suitable provision should be made for the washing out of concrete mixing plant. Washings should not be allowed to flow into a drain or watercourse.

Mix in a contained area that is well away from surface water drains and watercourses.

Only use quick drying or setting mixes near drains or watercourses.


Sources of Pollution from Construction

Oil, Fuel and Chemicals

Oil, fuel and other chemicals can be very damaging to aquatic eco-systems. Some chemicals are directly poisonous to plants and animals whilst others may deplete the water of oxygen.

A growing number of pollution incidents are a result of oil and fuel spillages. Even relatively small spills can be time-consuming and expensive to clean up.

Oil, fuel and chemicals containers should be kept in secure, vandal-proof areas. They should be protected from the elements or accidental damage.

Storage areas, tanks and drums should be bunded. The base and bund walls should be impervious to the materials being stored.

Use a re-circulating system for cleaning equipment.

lt Never discharge the effluent to surface water drains or

po ion – The bund should be able to hold a minimum of 110% of

nt the volume being stored.

e watercourses.

rious

Leaking, corroded or empty' drums should be ashed

immediately remove and dispose of correctly. ponds,

ms, rese o i If you're not sure, don't guess. Contain, absorb and dispose of spilt products correctly.

Keep appropriate equipment nearby so that spilt materials are prevented from entering drains, watercourses or soaking into the ground.

Vehicle refuelling should be strictly controlled and take

place away from watercourses or drains. Never leave Water containing silt and other suspended

vehicles unattended whilst refuelling. material must undergo a settle

process before being discharged. Check hoses and valves regularly for corrosion or

damage. Turn off valves and lock securely when not in Prevent surface or groundwater

e n use.

excavations. Pump or bail surplus

minimum disturbance to reduce the nee d or Cement pollution Storage tanks should be empty before being moved or settlement or filtration. Can dramatically alter the chemical decommissioned. Pipes should be capped and valves

Seed or cover exposed ground or soil to prevent composition of surface waters. locked to prevent spills. rain washing away silt. See the oil pollution prevention leaflet in this series for

more pollution prevention measures. Regularly scrape or brush dust and mud from site

Water Pollution

roads or investigate the construction of wheel-

washing facilities

Hotline Tel: 709535