A good knowledge of the drainage systems on your site is fundamental for preventing water pollution. There are typically three types of drain:

Foul water drains are designed to carry contaminated waste water safely to a sewage works for treatment. You will need to apply for a discharge consent with your water company before connection. Consents may be given for certain chemicals and wastes other than sewage, but with strict limitations on permitted levels and volumes. Illegal discharges to foul water drains may be prosecuted by the relevant Water Company.

Surface water or clean water drains are designed to carry uncontaminated water only, as these will lead directly to a local stream, river or soakaway. These often include all rainwater gulleys, downpipes and most road drains. Illegal discharges to surface water drains and resulting pollution may lead to prosecution by the Environment Agency.

Soakaways are drains that discharge directly in to the ground. Pollution of unprotected land and groundwater may lead to prosecution by the Environment Agency.

Action Points You should ensure that you have comprehensive site plans to show both drainage systems, their layout and connections, and make these available to the necessary staff. Drains should be colour coded for identification. All drainage grids and manhole covers should be painted red for foul water and blue for surface water. Staff must be trained to understand the implications of pollution, the drainage system layout and colour coding system, and actions to be taken in the event of a spillage. Oil separators or interceptors should be installed and maintained on any surface water drains that could be at risk from oil pollution e.g. fuelling areas and car parks. Eco Technology Limited can help you by providing Staff training in pollution prevention and spill response (with practical use of absorbents and equipment) Drain surveys (with CCTV), to check integrity of drainage system, identify layout and connections. Drain and interceptor cleaning services (which should be regarded as essential regular maintenance)