Fuel spills can "destroy" water quality

Simple accidents such as fuel spills can "destroy" water quality, according to one sector expert.

Environment Agency officer Nathan Winder made his comments as companies in Dronfield were given advice on how to keep their emissions and pollutions levels down.

Officers from North East Derbyshire District Council joined Environment Agency representatives to visit an industrial estate in the area.

The team gave information about environmental analysis to businesses on the estate, though it did not find any serious problems.

Mr Winder stressed the importance of complying with waste disposal law, as firms could be prosecuted if they are found to breach them.

"A simple accident such as a fuel spill could destroy the health of a beck - and failure to dispose of waste correctly could lead to an appearance in court," he concluded.

Almost all of the 80 companies on the Callywhite Lane estate were visited.

The Environment Agency explained that the location of the premises means that good environmental health practices are crucial.

It is near to football pitches, residential houses and the River Drone.

Businesses located on the site include Europa Body Shop, Classic Windows, Lee Motors and Saxon Steels.

Posted by Joseph Hutton