Fast action to stop contamination

Lanes for Drains' expertise in managing contamination emergencies is being used to protect natural water courses after a major factory fire in South Wales in September.

The fire at the Real Crisp factory in Caerphilly caused damage costing millions of pounds.

Realising that the fire posed a major contamination risk, Damian Tranter, sales manager for Lanes for Drains South Wales, attended the scene to give advice to factory management while fire crews were still tackling the flames.

'Following a site inspection, we were able to advise on the best option to seal the factory's water system to prevent contamination.

'It's important to do this before the fire service leaves the site because, from that point on, the owner of the property where the fire started is liable for the total cost of clearing up any external contamination.' Within an hour of the go-ahead, engineers were on site, sealing the drains leading from the factory, so no contaminated water could enter natural water courses.