Yarmouth Harbour manages to cater for many different site users, around 20,000 a year, from ferry operators and leisure boat users to passing visitors. The Harbour Commission takes a proactive role in minimising environmental impacts from its operation while maintaining its service.

Due to its location on the water, the harbour is in a vulnerable area at risk from any pollution incident. In response to this, there are extensive policies in place to prevent pollution getting into the environment and an oil spillage response plan in place. As well as pollution prevention, the harbour offices do much to maintain effective resource management. Electrical appliances have been changed for more energy efficient models, or removed where necessary and the photocopier has been changed to allow double sided printing. There is frequent servicing of equipment and fittings, such as de-scaling shower heads.

There is ongoing works with recycling of waste, particularly that produced by the harbour users. One way of doing this is to promote the local recycling on the web site and information cards. A cleaning materials review has been undertaken, resulting in less chemicals and reduced water usage. Water use by boat owners is managed by having a time limit on the harbour side where the hose pipe is located as well as being under the watchful eye of the harbour office. There are excellent maintenance logs in use ensuring all equipment is efficient and all areas well maintained.

Yarmouth Harbour Commission hosts the Western Yar and Estuaries project, protecting an enhancing the local wildlife. These include educational talks and habitat management. The commission also has a good working relationship with the local community, being involved with town initiatives and business groups.

Environmental awareness is graphically displayed in the form of a tabletop display showing various items of rubbish washed up on local beaches, along with an indication of how long each item takes to biodegrade.

•  Good interaction with site users over awareness of recycling and pollution prevention
•  Effective maintenance and recording system in place to increase energy and water efficiency
•  Good working relationship with local town and community
•  Local wildlife and habitat protection work undertaken including educational input
•  Hands on display of rubbish that can be found in the marine environment

Quote from auditor;
"Yarmouth Harbour Commission has managed to integrate the needs of the harbour users with environmental protection and education. Commitment by staff has produced a useable environmental management system that can be adapted to suit many businesses."

VIEW BUSINESS