A survey by drainage expert Metro Rod found that 54% of respondents were unaware that food production activities contributed to the contamination of water. This was despite 90% of respondents saying pollution prevention was important to their businesses.
It also found that 41% were unaware they were responsible for the correct disposal of hazardous substances and 65% were unaware they were responsible for the correct disposal of commercial waste and recycling.
Unlimited fine
More than half were unaware that there was an unlimited fine for any business found to be in breach of environmental legislation, while a further 53% said they were unaware that such activity is a criminal offence with potential for imprisonment.
Chris Nelson, senior technical manager at Metro Rod, said the research revealed a deeper problem than simple acts of sewage being discharged into English waters having a knock-on effect to wildlife. The way manufacturers produce goods may have to fundamentally change to tackle the country’s clean water challenges.
Unfortunate side effects
“There are various different processes that are essential to manufacturing businesses which, unfortunately, do lead to the contamination of water,” he continued. “And unless the correct tools and systems are in place to prevent this contaminated water from reaching the water course, local environments will continue to be impacted, affecting people and animals alike.
“What’s reassuring is that so many businesses told us that pollution prevention is important to them – we know people want to do more to protect our world. Our job now, as drainage experts, is to ensure companies working in manufacturing have everything they need to clean-up their operations and ensure their businesses aren’t responsible for the ongoing contamination of water for many more years to come.”
