environment

The solid fuel divisions of Rudrum Holdings are a part of an old established and traditional industry, and we have developed good working practices as an integral part of running an efficient and cost effective business within this trade. Recent changes to environmental legislation has brought about surprisingly little change to the way we have traditionally transported, stored, graded and handled our coal products. A number of our sites are located close to natural wild life habitats and we are actively co-operating with local authorities, national river authorities and the Wild Life Trust, and many other relevant bodies to lessen the impact of operations as much as is practicable. Many of our sites report that animals will often lie on the coal stocks during cold weather, as the stocks will generate a little heat! A wide variety of techniques are adopted to minimise noise and dust and all of our activities are constantly monitored, measured and recorded on a daily basis.

Environmental Compliance
The requirements of Environmental Protection were already being largely fulfilled through existing corporate policies of good business practice. Dust suppression and good housekeeping procedures meant that the introduction of the latest Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations saw little need to change the existing procedures to enable the business to comply with these stricter controls.

Requirements of the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations include the need to obtain and sustain standards of controlling dust emissions in order to be granted the necessary process permit, and constant monitoring and recording of dust emissions are carried out to ensure these high standards are met. The Group regard the successful control of pollution as not only a responsible stance to take for the care of the environment for future generations to enjoy, but also as an investment for continual growth, and support for the good name which the Group has established for the provision of quality products and services.

The provision of effective environmental policies and procedures is sustained by management leadership, and underpinned by staff understanding and participation. Together this ensures responsible and sympathetic work practices to help protect the environment from air born pollutants.

The Avonmouth Wildlife Corridors
Our most intensive site, the Avonmouth Coal Terminal, already benefits from a management plan agreed between the Bristol Port Company, the National Rivers Authority, the Wildlife Trust and local councils which resulted in large areas of the port estate being designated wildlife corridors. Eight lake/pond sites have been created within the port area and have been stocked with fish and aquatic plants. All UK species of owl are now resident on the Port Estate, including, after an absence of over twenty years, the first recorded re-colonisation by the Barn Owl, with three nesting pairs on the site. Rudrum Holdings contributes to and strictly observes the wildlife corridors.

Operational Criteria
The Group has a policy, at its most intensively used sites, of investment in extensive concrete bases rather than dust provoking coal carpets together with surrounding perimeters of four-metre concrete retaining wall units. Sprinkler systems around the perimeters together with a fleet of road sweepers permanently on site ensure against dust emissions. We believe we have demonstrated that a successful environmental policy can be and has been achieved, not through dictats emanating from Westminster or Brussels but by sensitive understanding and sincere intentions, translated into effective solutions at a local level.

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