Protecting the forest environment – responsibilities of contractors and sub-contractors
If any work is sub-contracted, the main contractor must pass on all the information below to the sub-contractor.
NRW environmental policy
Read our full environmental policy statement.
How to deal with an environmental incident on site
Stop
Before you report the incident, stop the work.
Contain
Where safe to do so, carry out any local site pollution prevention or emergency incident measures to prevent any further damage to the environment and to contain the release and remove any ignition sources (if flammable).
Notify
Immediately after the work has been stopped, the risk assessment completed and the pollution contained if safe to do so, report the incident.
Inform the NRW site supervisor.
Report it
Report environmental incidents by calling 0300 065 3000, 24 hours day.
Choose option 1 for Welsh and 2 for English.
Give full details of the incident (including location / contact details). Remember to request and note the incident number.
Email the NRW EMS team:
EMS.Team@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Pollution prevention
- A pollution spill kit must be carried on any machine operating in the forest. Operators must be familiar with its use.
- Oil and chemicals must be stored securely in secondary containment.
- Double skinned or bunded mobile fuel bowsers and fuel grab tanks must be used. They must be in good condition, free from leaks and lockable.
- Oil drums, grease containers and chemical containers must not be left on site whether full or empty.
- Care should be taken when refuelling to avoid spillage of fuel or oil into drains and water courses.
- Any oil or chemical spill with the potential to pollute must be reported to NRW or their agent as soon as practicable.
Waste Management
- The contractor must comply with relevant Environmental legislation and other compliance obligations.
- Waste should be stored safely and away from water courses.
- If any hazardous waste is generated on site by the contractor, they are responsible for transferring the waste using a registered waste carrier to a permitted site allowed to receive and treat the waste using hazardous consignment notes.
- If any non-hazardous waste is generated on site by the contractor, they are responsible for transferring the waste using a registered waste carrier to a permitted site allowed to receive and treat the waste using waste transfer notes.
UKWAS
When working on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE) you have an important role in helping us manage the land sustainably to maintain our Forest Certification.
An independent certification body audits NRW annually against UKWAS which allows us to trade our products as certified.
Certification shows that we manage our woodland sustainably.
Operations you are carrying out in accordance with the plans mean that all our wood and non-wood products are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified.
Our Forest Stewardship Council® FSC® licence code is FSC-C115912 and PEFC licence PEFC/16-40-1003.