03/02/2006 - An agreement to introduce new procedures to handle spillages of pollutants and to protect the environment was signed by the Environment Agency and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service today (Tuesday 31 January) at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters.

For several years, every fire engine in Surrey has been equipped with an environmental Grab Pack which contains clay mats to block drains, putty to seal pipes, absorbent material to soak up spills, and booms to contain contaminated fire water and other materials.

Since 2001, the Service has also had a dedicated Environment Protection Unit, based at Dorking Fire Station and crewed by Surrey's firefighters. The vehicle has specialist equipment which can help deal with larger incidents across the county that pose a risk to the environment.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Steve Myers and the Environment Agency's South East Area Manager, Thames Region, Peter Quarmby, formally signed a working agreement that will ensure that pollution risks can be minimised at the scene of an incident. The agreement strengthens the existing working relationship, covering issues such as agreed responsibilities during an incident, the exchange of information, joint training and what types of incident the Environment Agency needs to know about.
By ensuring that fire crews have the equipment to protect the environment the Environment Agency hopes that swift action can be taken to avoid any environmental disaster.

Over the last year, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service have used pollution prevention equipment supplied by the Environment Agency at least twice a month to prevent or minimise damage to the environment. Examples include:
Saving up to 18,000 litres of domestic heating oil from entering groundwater, from a fractured tank, by the use of overdrums
Using oil absorbent pads and sealant putty to prevent oil and petrol from leaking fuel tanks on vehicles from gaining access to drains
Use of clay mats to seal drains to stop oils and chemical passing into rivers, following accidents.

Officers from the Environment Agency have been working with the National Fire Service College to develop the environmental module of its Environmental Protection and Hazardous Materials training course and have been training firefighters on how to use the Grab Pack at an incident. As well as oil and fuels, other spills that may not appear hazardous such as milk, beer and contaminated fire water can pose a real threat to the environment if it drains into the groundwater or a local river.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer Steve Myers said: "This agreement demonstrates our continued commitment to protect the communities we serve using the very latest equipment and techniques. The joint work we are doing with the Environment Agency builds on the procedures that we have in place to deal with pollutants at incidents. Every fire engine in Surrey is equipped to handle incidents involving chemicals and other materials which may harm the environment."

Peter Quarmby the Environment Agency's South East Area Manager, Thames Region, said: "This is a major step forward in prioritising the environment. The agreement is the result of some excellent joint work between Surrey and ourselves. The equipment and training we have given to the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service over recent years provides them with the right materials and skills to contain harmful substances and dispose of them safely. As a result, we have shown that the environment can be protected more effectively if we work together."

Mr James Smith OBE, Executive Member for Community Safety, Surrey County Council said: "It is thanks to partnership working such as this, and through maintaining the links with other County Council departments, that we seek to continually protect and preserve the area in which we live and work."