As we get into the traditionally drier months, we cannot allow ourselves to think that the risk from diffuse pollution has gone away. It hasn’t, it has just changed in nature. Over the wetter winter months, the risk usually comes from a gradual deterioration of site conditions as they get wetter, if not properly managed. This is, in some ways, an easier situation to manage due to its slower pace, so the deterioration can be monitored and managed.

In recent years though we have seen an increase in short sharp heavy rainfall events across the country. In towns and cities these can cause flash flooding. On our sites this can result in previously dry and dusty tracks becoming quickly overwhelmed and the dust turning to slurry and running down and off tracks and extraction routes with subsequent risks to watercourses.

Learning Points:

• Diffuse Pollution can and does still occur in summer months due to unseasonal heavy rainfall events
• Continue to manage tracks and roads to keep them in good condition so they don’t present a diffuse pollution risk in the event of heavy rainfall
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare sites accordingly when heavy rain is forecast

Image shows a sump dug to control rainfall on site which has filled after a heavy rain event