Cheshire has one of the largest motorway networks in the country and we regularly deal with minor spillages of fuel and chemicals because of collisions. Occasionally there are larger spills. The emergency services, Environment Agency, Highways England and landowners all work together to minimise the impact of such incidents.
Cheshire has several upper and lower tier control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) sites, one of the highest in the country. COMAH regulations apply to businesses that have the potential to cause major accidents because they manufacture, store or use large quantities of dangerous substances such as oil products, natural gas, chemicals or explosives. Although COMAH off site plans are regularly exercised, activation for real is extremely rare. If you live nearby, you will receive advice directly from the site operator.
Cheshire is also one of the biggest dairy farming counties in the country and has the potential for silage and slurry related incidents.
Pollution incidents can impact surface waters (inland and coastal waters) and groundwater. They can be caused by chemical spillage including fuel oils or release of a large quantity of untreated sewage.
Former industrial or derelict land can pose serious risks to people using or visiting the sites and/or the environment. The public should avoid using former industrial or derelict land for recreational use. Dangers from these sites can be seen and unseen meaning unaware members of the public could be putting themselves in danger.
Unmaintained sites can degrade to a point where uncontrolled emissions to the environment begin occurring and if left unchecked can cause serious harm to ecosystems, biodiversity and different water resources (rivers, groundwaters, lake and meres).
Air pollution includes fires, explosions and chemical/fuel releases. Smells may also be caused by waste spreading, accidental or deliberate burning of manure or materials such as asbestos or tyres.
Environmental permits are in place to ensure business and domestic potential sources of pollution are controlled and the risk of accidents minimised. Cheshire’s industrial history means some sites and their owners require engagement around remediation work or other action. In some cases, enforcement activities are undertaken against organisations and individuals who breach permit conditions or operate illegally.
Plans are in place for high-risk sites and all responders regularly train and exercise together and as individual organisations.
COMAH Regulations aim to ensure that businesses take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences of any major accidents which do occur.
Environmental monitoring is also undertaken which assists in the early identification of any problems, for example contamination of the River Dee. Site visits are undertaken on a risk basis.
The predicted impacts could include:
Pollution of sea water or water courses
Environmental pollution
Damage to Sites of specific scientific interest (SSSI)
Damage to wildlife and the environment
Health risk to residents and visitors
Cancellation of sport and leisure events
Economic impact on tourism and local community
Closure of drinking water abstraction point(s) to protect public supply
Amenity issues including odour, noise and pests
Economic and reputational damage to local businesses
You can report an Environmental incident via the Environment Agencies 24 hour service on 0800 80 70 60. A list of the incidents that can be reported via the hotline is available here.
Follow advice given by the Emergency Services and the Environment Agency during an Incident
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