Fire Water Risk Assessments

FPS Environmental have over a decade’s experience supporting with fire water runoff, from risk assessment to containment.

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At FPS Environmental, our team of consultants and engineers conduct fire water risk assessments and modelling for a wide range of commercial and industrial sites across the UK, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permit obligations.

Engaging a flood risk and environmental consultant can help you to meet the required regulations and avoid potential enforcement action. With over a decade’s experience, we are highly experienced in this field and can create a fire water management plan that works for your site.

Fires not only threaten property and human life but also have significant environmental impacts. A major concern is the runoff of fire water, which occurs when water used to extinguish fires picks up onsite contaminants or combustion byproducts. Some of this water evaporates, some seeps into the ground, and the excess flows away as runoff.

Fire water runoff can carry toxic chemicals that harm soil, drinking water, and aquatic life. It may enter the environment through absorption into the ground, draining into various water systems, or directly flowing into bodies of water, thereby polluting them and possibly affecting public health.

If unmanaged, fire water runoff can extend contaminants over a large area, and under the “polluter pays” principle, businesses may face prosecution and be liable for cleanup costs.

Moreover, having well-documented policies and emergency plans can greatly reduce potential damage. This includes creating drainage plans and storing them in accessible BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. For sites with higher risks, such as those under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations, more detailed plans are mandatory.

To prevent pollution from fire water, containment methods like shut-off valves, bunds, lagoons, or underground tanks can be employed. Even simple measures like drain covers or spill kits can be effective, but only if suitably designed.

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Flood Surveyors Simon Crowther pictured with Reece Hewitt

What is Fire Water Runoff?

The greatest environmental damage caused by fire is often created by the water used to fight it rather than the actual fire itself.

Water is the most widely used substance for extinguishing fires, as it is usually readily available. Whilst the water alone is non-hazardous and does not pose an environmental threat, it can become contaminated with the materials and chemicals stored on-site, firefighting foam, or combustion by-products. Whilst some water will undoubtedly evaporate, excess water will often be released into the ground or local drainage networks – including watercourses – and can lead to a Major Accident in the environment.

Why Is Fire Water Runoff Important?

Whilst robust planning and precautions can reduce risks, they do not remove those risks entirely. The resulting pollution from fire water can cause significant long-term environmental harm, particularly if groundwater becomes contaminated. Fire water can carry contaminants over a long distance, potentially significantly expanding the impacted area.

The ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle

Notwithstanding a company’s regulatory obligations and noting that in the vast majority of instances, the ‘polluter pays’, the expectations of Corporate Social Responsibility alone make it good practice to demonstrate exemplary environmental compliance. The ‘polluter pays’ principle underpins most of the regulation of pollution affecting land, water and air.

If you do not manage fire water runoff, you could be prosecuted and be liable for the environmental clean-up costs. That’s why we always advise that you consider fire water runoff and seek professional support to plan accordingly.

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How Can FPS Environmental Help?

Step 1) Risk Assessment

We will perform a detailed site assessment and analysis to determine any missing site information. This can include investigating the volume of water that might be used to tackle a fire, the substances on site, site drainage connectivity and topography.

Step 2) Fire Water Planning

Following our assessment, we can help you create a fire water management plan which contains procedures for controlling fire water runoff in accordance with CIRIA (736) Containment systems for the prevention of pollution. Having the necessary controls, policies and procedures in place can help to reduce the potential impact of any unplanned events that occur, including fire. All businesses should have robust emergency plans, including a (PIRP) Pollution Incident Response Plan. High-risk sites, such as COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) sites are legally required to have comprehensive and detailed plans.

Step 3) Risk Management

Finally, we will look at practical risk management, which must be in accordance with CIRIA736 to form a condition of an Environment Agency Environmental Permit.

Containment is the preferred method to prevent pollution from escaping. Fire water runoff containment may include secondary or tertiary measures, as well as aspects such as banks, bunds, tanks and drainage containment valves.

If you require fire water runoff support, speak to a member of our team who will be happy to help!

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Speak With The Team

020 8050 3194

enquiries@fpsenvironmental.co.uk

Client Testimonials

Here are some of our latest testimonials from satisfied customers. If you'd like to discuss your requirements further, please don't hestitate to get in touch.

Hannah Rogers

FPS Environmental were great to work with. They responded immediately to my initial enquiry and followed up quickly with a quote. A very friendly, efficient and professional service. Thanks!