What are the local risks?
Major pollution of rivers
All incidents that involve hazardous materials can present a significant risk to the environment, public and fire-fighting/responding agencies. Public dangers are exacerbated where people are unaware of the risk. Even though fire-fighters are highly trained and have the protective equipment to deal with most incidents , managing such an emergency safely and successfully still presents a challenge.
Even day-to-day products such as orange juice, milk, shampoo and cooking oils in bulk can be an environmental hazard. The effects of these may vary, by they may cause toxic, smothering , de-oxygenating and choking effects to aquatic and plant life can seriously affect the ecological system, upsetting the balnce of nature over wide area.
If you see any evidence of water pollution (or any other pollution), please report it to the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Fly-tipping is unsightly and illegal. It can involve dangerous waste and be a source of pollution, which can contaminate land and water. Report any fly-tipping problems to your local borough council:
Luton Borough Council, Street Services Waste Department:
(01582) 510 333 or e-mail wastecustomerservice@luton.gov.uk
Or online at www.luton.gov.uk/doitonline
Bedford Borough Council, Environmental Services:
Helpline: 0800 121 8888 or e-mail streetcare@bedford.gov.uk
Central
Bedfordshire Council:
0300 300
8631 (North) and 0300 300 8632 (South)
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