Noise pollution.
The manufacture of concrete building blocks requires the necessary use of much heavy machinery: large loading shovels to supply the mixing plant with aggregates, the mixing plant itself, the automatic block moulding machines and also the heavy goods vehicles which transport the finished product to construction sites.
Although there are very few homes within earshot of these sources of noise: the nearest settlement, Burstwick being almost a mile away, when the golf course is completed on neighbouring land, this noise of industry may well become a bone of contention with the golf course owners and their customers.
Movement of heavy vehicles on local roads.
The company runs a fleet of ten heavy goods vehicles, which travel to and from the site regularly between the hours of 6am and 5pm. The local roads are narrow b-class and unclassified roads and neighbouring villages are small. The block business attracts much traffic throughout the day, creating a significant increase in demand on the local roads. This could, unless properly managed, create problems of congestion and air and noise pollution and may even pose a danger to residents of the local villages, some of which have schools located in them.
Pollution of ground-water.
There are many sources of potential ground-water pollution on the manufacturing site. Some of the main concerns are fuel spills, as the fleet of heavy goods vehicles are refuelled on site from one of two 5000-litre fuel bowsers. Heavy machinery used during the production of the blocks is refuelled from the second bowser, which contains red diesel. Although these bowsers are contained within a concrete bund, this bund is poorly maintained and spilt fuel seeps through the enclosing walls. This seepage may well find its way into the ground water unless steps are taken to prevent this from happening.
Another possible source of pollution is the block production machinery itself. Much of it is old and may well leak oil or fuel oil onto the ground. This possible contamination source will be discussed further under the next sub-heading.
Spillage and run-off into the nearby land-drain.
As can be seen on the above map of the site, a large land drain borders the manufacturing site to the west. This is a major watercourse in the area, draining all the surrounding farmland for miles around into the River Humber, approximately 4 miles to the southwest.
Much of the site is surfaced with poured concrete, which means that any oil that is spilled onto the ground is easily washed off the site and into the land drain by rainfall. This could be a major contributor to poor water quality in the River Humber, as well as in the land drain itself, which is partially tidal further south, near to its outflow at Hedon Haven.
The above picture illustrates the close proximity of the land drain to the site, and the possibility that rain water may wash pollutants directly into local drainage systems.
Aesthetic concerns.
As can be seen on the above photograph, the spoil heap on this site is large and unpleasant to look at. It is visible from all directions and from well over a mile away.
The actual mixing plant, that creates the concrete mix for the block manufacturing process is also an unsightly structure. It stands at approximately 50 feet in height and can also be seen from all directions and from over a mile away.
In a rural setting, these two structures in particular are unsightly and ugly. Neither structure’s appearance is in keeping with the quiet location of the manufacturing site.
The above points are the main areas of negative environmental impact, which need to be investigated and re-assessed in an effort to lessen the burden being imposed on the surrounding countryside.
In the next section of this report, I hope to be able to address some of these problems and demonstrate how the company is working to lessen its impact on the local environment.
Ways in which this company can act to protect the local environment.
Spraying.
On particularly dry and windy days dust can be a problem as it is whipped up and blown not only across the site itself, which could be a health hazard to employees, but also onto neighbouring properties. This dust is a mixture of furnace ash, lime and cement and could easily damage eyes or cause respiratory problems if inhaled.
The company has purchased a tractor and spraying equipment. On days when this dust could be a hazard, the tractor is driven around the premises spraying water to keep the dust down. This method of control is particularly effective, providing it is done at frequent and regular intervals.
Transportation procedures.
The company has, over the years, developed a policy of cooperation with local residents with regard to road usage. Although there is now a weight limit in place through one of the local villages, this company has an agreement with the residents of that village which pre-dates the enforced restriction. By developing a relationship with people who live in the area, the company has managed to lessen the impact that a fleet of heavy vehicles operating in their local environment may have.
By using less used routes, which avoid populated areas as far as possible, the company has made it’s operations much less of an intrusion to local people.
Tree planting.
Although some trees were planted to the west of the company premises some years ago, there is still plenty of scope for more tree planting.
The company has expanded its operations over the years. After purchasing land to the east of the original compound, the company premises have grown considerably. A high bank and ditch form the perimeter of the premises. Perhaps a programme of tree planting along this perimeter would go some way to containing some of the dust which inevitably still escapes, despite the water spraying equipment.
A screen of trees would also be most effective in deadening the noise of the heavy machinery at work on the premises, and could also perhaps help to hide the unsightly mixing plant and spoil heap.
Site maintenance.
More attention could be paid to ensuring the manufacturing site is kept clean. The bund around the fuel bowsers, for example must be drained and cleaned much more often. This will reduce the possibility of ground water becoming polluted. Thorough and effective maintenance of all machinery used on the site must be of the highest standard to prevent leaking oil and other fluids from spilling onto the concrete surfaces, where they are liable to be washed into the nearby land drain by rainwater. Perhaps the construction of a channel around the perimeter of the site to catch any spillages could be an option. This would be extremely effective in containing any possible sources of contamination, providing it was well maintained and cleaned out responsibly and regularly.
Recycling waste materials.
The company recently purchased equipment to regrind the material which forms the large spoil heap in the northeast corner of the compound. This material can be re-used in making new blocks, thus reducing the size of the spoil heap and saving the company money that would have been spent buying new materials. Although the grinding equipment itself may be regarded as somewhat unsightly, this disadvantage is offset by the benefits it offers. If trees are planted along the perimeter of the compound, the grinding equipment will be much less visible from the surrounding area.
Grinding equipment to recycle waste materials.
Summary.
The concrete block production company has occupied this site for over 30 years and in that time it has greatly expanded it’s operations. This growth has been reflected in the area of land that the site occupies and also in the impact that the manufacturing and distribution process has had on the surrounding environment.
Although there is still work to be done in minimising this burden on the local environment, the company has, through working closely with people living locally and by changing it’s working practises, greatly reduced it’s environmental impact.
This greener way of thinking and working is an ongoing process and the concrete block manufacturing company hopes to continue with this trend to environmentally friendly working practises.
