UP TO 360,000 litres of surface water, which could contain traces of de-icing chemicals, will be permitted to drain off into Essex waterways each day, if an application from Southend Airport is approved.
The airport has requested a permit from the Environment Agency to allow "trade effluent consisting of de-icer" to flow off into Prittle and Eastwood Brook, which lead into the River Roach, then the River Crouch, causing some campaigners to voice concerns for the welfare of wildlife living in the waters affected.
But the airport, owned by the Stobart Air group, has defended its decision, claiming the application is the result of two years' work alongside experts to ensure the chemicals are of no harm whatsoever to the ecological environment. In a statement the company said: "This permit deals with the run-off of surface water from the runway which during the winter months may contain traces of de-icing chemicals used on the runway to maintain safe operations.
"The permit allows a cumulative 360 cubic metres per day to be run off into Prittle Brook and Eastwood Brook.
"As part of an agreed trial with the Environment Agency, London Southend Airport has been carrying out these procedures for the last two winters.
"Extensive ecological monitoring has been taking place during this period, and the Environment Agency reports little or no impact on water courses and wildlife."
The area at which the surface water will be permitted to drain off, if the application is successful, is protected as part of a designated Marine Conservation Zone to protect vulnerable marine habitats and the species found within them from the most damaging and degrading of activities.
As a result some opposed to the permit have voiced concerns over the impact of the run-off of traces of potassium acetate, the component of the de-icers used, on harvested shellfish living in the waters nearby.
Jon Fuller, from Friends of the Earth and vice-chairman of Stop Airport Expansion and Noise which lobbies against development at Southend, said: "We at Friends of the Earth are very concerned that this type of material is being leaked into the rivers, brooks and streams.
"We hope that the Environment Agency is keeping a close eye on what is being released and we wouldn't want it to harm any of the beautiful natural habitat in Essex nor any of the responsible fishing and harvesting that goes on here."
Comments on the application must be received by the Environment Agency by May 20 and can be submitted by e-mailing psc-waterquality@environment-agency.gov.uk.
