The Environment Agency has urged businesses to check their environmental permits to make sure that their operations do not breach regulations.

Companies which handle waste must have an environmental permit which not only outlines a number of conditions, but also states the provisions which need to be put in place to protect local water courses from potential contamination.

Matt Crump, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said organisations need to remember that the environmental permitting regulations are in place to protect the environment and people from operations that could cause harm or damage.

"Anyone who handles waste as part of their business should seek advice from the Environment Agency if they are unsure of what permits they need," he stated.

Mr Crump added that having permits in place also means that businesses operate on a "level playing field". Firms which do not pay for a permit can undercut the price of legitimate businesses because of the savings they have made.

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