Warning on drainage and biosecurity

Dyno-Rod has reported a surge in calls from businesses worried about risks of similar leaks and uncertain of their legal liabilities.

The recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease were most probably caused by leakage from a broken drain, highlighting the role of effluent management in biosecurity.

It has also exposed the risks to industry and the public sector that a lack of attention to drainage can bring; including the potential for disaster and prosecution of managers.

Dyno-Rod, the UK's leading drain repair and maintenance organisation, has reported a surge in calls from businesses worried about risks of similar leaks and uncertain of their legal liabilities.

According to the official report dated 7th September 2007, published by the Health and Safety Executive, the research facility at Pirbright had failed to maintain its drainage, used for the disposal of biological waste, resulting in what is thought to have been movement of the foot and mouth virus to the surface following flooding.

Three separate problems were found at the site; cracked pipes, unsealed manholes and tree root ingress.

Dyno-Rod provided support to the HSE led investigation of the Pirbright drainage system.

The company, with experience covering more than four decades, is using the case to draw attention to the need for regular checks and inspections of drainage systems at all sites, as failure to comply with legislation and regulation can have serious consequences for the firms and individuals concerned, as well as the general public and local ecosystems.

Owners and operators of premises having drainage and effluent facilities have legal responsibilities.

These include:.

- Having a full and up-to-date drainage site plan.

- Knowledge of where and into which systems storm water and foul water run.

- Having an inspection regime or planned maintenance programme and being able to demonstrate that the system is watertight.

The Water Resources Act 1991, Control of Pollution (Oil storage) (England) Regulations 2001 and Ground Water Regulations 1998 all set out accountabilities and what is required under various conditions.

In addition, the Environment Agency requires that you check site drainage to determine whether it is linked to foul sewer or surface water drains and the correct effluent runs to the requisite drains.

Dyno-Rod advises anyone with responsibility for drainage to check that their procedures are sound and information is current.

Planned maintenance of drainage systems is advisable and, at the very least, checks should be made by a professional and properly qualified organisation at regular intervals.

"Biosecurity is being taken ever more seriously - and rightly so," says Dyno-Rod's Technical Services Manager, Richard Swan.

He continues, "To many people, drains are out of sight and out of mind but that could mean penalties - including imprisonment - for those found to be negligent".

The findings in the Pirbright case are not, says the company, unusual.

Richard goes on, "Many organisations fail to appreciate the risks involved in ignoring drains and sewers".

"It's not just biosecurity but issues such as undermining of foundations from leaks, floods caused by blockages, litigation from other parties affected by drain-related damage and, of course, the cost involved in putting things right".

Reputable, professional drain repair and maintenance companies can advise on the best course of action and furnish individuals and organisations with the necessary work and guidance to comply.

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