UK Dredging recognises its responsibility in the protection of the environment (in particular to the marine environment) and to property, and will do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure that its undertakings create as little detrimental effect as possible.

The majority of UK Dredging's work is the maintenance dredging of navigation channels and in this way the Company contributes to the safety of vessels ranging from small pleasure craft to very large oil tankers.

This contribution plays an important part in continuing environmental protection by reducing the potential for accidents which could lead to serious marine pollution.  UK Dredging makes a further contribution to the environmental protection of the coast and estuaries by undertaking routine bathymetric surveys and the placement and maintenance of navigational buoys which provide warning signals and guidance to Vessels.

UK Dredging seeks to minimise the effects of its operations on the environment by choosing appropriate techniques for a given situation. In this way sediment disturbance from the draghead or excavation work, overspill, noise and light, particularly at night, can be minimised, especially within or adjacent to sensitive marine areas.

Where necessary, UK Dredging will arrange environmental monitoring services. This work includes monitoring during the dredging campaign and pre-dredge and post-dredge surveys.
This monitoring may include measurements of dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, turbidity and sediment quality in the water column and bed sampling to determine sediment characteristics, benthic communities and populations.

UK Dredging will:

• Ensure that terms of reference relating to the environment from potential clients are incorporated into their bid.
  
  
• Work with clients to determine any practical alternative
  beneficial uses of dredged material.
  
  
• Carry out its dredging operations in accordance with license and consent requirements.
  
  
• Minimise the affects of dredging and disposal operations by adopting current best practice.
  
  
• Undertake monitoring during dredging and arrange pre and post-dredge monitoring as required.
  
  
• Contribute to increasing the scientific understanding of sediment dynamics from its practical experience.
  
  
• Continue to invest in modern technology and train individuals appropriately.
  
  
• Ensure environmental obligations are continually reviewed and any changes communicated to all staff.

Further information regarding the company's Environmental obligations can be found on the following web sites:

http://csr.abports.co.uk
http://environment.abports.co.uk

Further details of our policies can be provided via UKD's offices on request.