The three lines of environmental defence

Shirley Miles from Adler and Allan, discusses how partnering with a trusted environmental protection provider can ensure standards are implemented correctly Primary (tank), secondary (bund) and tertiary (separator) containment systems are the first, second and third line of defence against environmental pollution. Regular asset maintenance is essential to keep all pollution prevention equipment working at optimum efficiency, safeguarding operations handling and storing oil or other hazardous materials. WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? Two of the key pieces of legislation on containment are: The Water Resources Act 1991 states that ‘It is an offence to cause or knowingly permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting material, or any solid waste to enter any controlled water.’ Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 state that ‘It is an offence to cause or knowingly permit a water discharge activity or a groundwater activity without an environmental permit.’ A pollution incident because of a poorly maintained asset or inadequate containment is a strict liability offence and failure to adhere to standards and good practice guidance is a key factor in considering enforcement...