Construction and maintenance companies who work near watercourses are being reminded that pollution incidents are avoidable by careful planning.

The call comes as new pollution prevention guidelines are published by the Environment Agency.

Steve Wenham, Technical Advisor at the Environment Agency, said: "In 2006 the construction and demolition industry was responsible for 271 pollution incidents causing environmental damage, of which 123 were to water. Of these, 18 incidents were serious causing significant damage to watercourses.

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"These incidents are not only damaging to our environment, but it can leave the responsible company with an expensive clean up bill. Under the law those who pollute our environment have to pay the clean up costs."

Construction works near watercourses include lakes, reservoirs and canals can cause pollution by silt, oil and chemical spills. Also poor waste management can have a major impact on the water environment - for example, improper storage of hazardous wastes like oils and solvents could lead to it escaping into water.

The Environment Agency, which regulates business and industry in England and Wales, has worked together with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Northern Ireland’s Environment and Heritage on producing the Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG).

(JM)