Keeping pollution at bay

Nov 6 2007 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

THERE are a number of watercourses surrounding Newcastle International Airport, including the start of the Ouseburn River which flows through Jesmond Dene and eventually into the River Tyne.

On site monitoring

For over a decade, Newcastle International has monitored the water quality of the rivers around the airport. This includes a rigorous programme of continuous monitoring and regular sampling that must meet stringent quality levels set by the Environment Agency.

Water quality monitoring forms a key part of the airport’s overall environmental strategy and has been the focus of considerable investment over recent years.

Due to the activities carried out at the airport, it is important to capture and test surface water before it is discharged to the watercourse. In order to do this, all site water is drained into a series of lagoons located on the perimeter of the airfield. These are used to store the water so that it can be monitored by the airport’s environmental team.

Only when the water is deemed to be safe and free from pollutants is it then released into the river system. To prevent pollution, any contaminated runoff is diverted to a foul sewer for off-site treatment.

Improvements are constantly being made to ensure that this system operates as effectively as possible, including a £500,000 project last year to increase the water storage capacity on site. This is in addition to over £1m spent on drainage over the previous eight years.

During the winter months this job is especially important, as large amounts of de-icing fluid is used to remove frost from the aircraft – just like your car, aircraft need to be de-iced before they can be used.

Water sampling

To make sure processes are working correctly and that the airport is complying with the regulations set by the Environment Agency, regular river water sampling is carried out throughout the year.

Local environmental consultants, The Environment Practice, collect samples from six locations around the airport each month to test the water for pollutants and general quality.

This analysis provides a valuable picture of the water quality in the rivers around the airport site, which in turn help us to devise future environmental strategies.

River connects old and the new

THE other great river in Newcastle is the Ouseburn. It is enjoyed by all, humans and animals alike. The Ouseburn Catchment Steering Group is committed to the constant improvement to the river corridor and to addressing pollution and flooding issues.

The Ouseburn passes through the heart of the newest and oldest industries in the area. It serves a vital drainage role and unfortunately, it is overworked and undervalued.

In the future, the OCSG will be working with public and professional bodies to create a new vision for the Ouseburn by carrying out some strategic thinking.

By gathering influential and representative people (from local authorities, agencies, resident associations, university, charities, etc) who live and plan the future of the Ouseburn, the future of the catchment can now be considered. Issues of concern include flooding in the city (including Newcastle Great Park), water quality in the river, ecology and wildlife in the river corridor, access and recreation and development/character change.

Every two months there are activities and meetings to discuss pressing matters as well as debates and short presentations reflecting the key activities in the catchment.

The group will shortly be discussing the Lower Ouseburn River Management Plan, as the Ouseburn Barrage is going ahead next year. If you would like to attend the meeting contact Sebastien Tellier on tel: (0191) 233-0707 or email ouseburncsg@googlemail.com