Tracker(); Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> Ummera Environmental Statement

         

 

 

      

   

 

 

       

         

Environmental Policy Statement

Ummera Smoked Products Ltd. (USP) is a micro-enterprise, producing high quality smoked products, including wild Irish smoked Atlantic salmon, organic salmon, dry-cured bacon, chickens and silver eel.

USP recognizes that its location in the picturesque Argideen valley is in an area of very high environmental quality. It believes that it is in the company's interest to maintain and enhance this environmental quality. The new smokehouse (opened in 2000) was designed and constructed to be aesthetically in keeping with the local environment, and as energy efficient as possible.

The Company understands that it has a potential impact on the environment in a number of ways (see below) and commits itself to using all reasonable means to minimize any negative impact. (In particular, USP is committed to minimizing and preventing pollution wherever possible, preferably by avoidance at source.) Further, the Company commits itself to actively seeking ways in which it can contribute positively to the local environment.

Traffic: The limited retail activity at the Smokehouse results in little additional traffic generation. Small numbers of customers', delivery, and service vehicles call to the smokehouse. Vehicles are encouraged to drive slowly, and there is no observable pressure for parking at present.

Raw material consumption: USP purchases inputs for its products only to meet demand. Similarly, packaging, cleaning materials and equipment are limited to those required for processing and carriage of product, in compliance with regulations. Given the problems of handling waste products in such an isolated area and in an environmentally benign way, raw material consumption is managed to generate minimal waste.

Waste generated: USP generates a number of waste streams:

Organic waste (from processing activities) This is handled in a vermicomposting system, which achieves a volume reduction of up to 90% and generates a concentrated compost for use in domestic or other garden situations.

Waste water : This is treated in septic tanks and then through a 5-pond wetland system. The system is designed to simulate a natural treatment system as aesthetic, low-cost but effective, and complimentary to the natural local flora and fauna, as well as returning clean water to the local environment. This meets the standards set in Cork County Council Licence W.P. (W) 5/00.

Paper/office waste : This is shredded and used in the vermicomposting system, meeting the need for carbon inputs.

Packaging: On incoming items packaging is minimized at source, re-used or recycled, returned to the producer, or shredded for use in the vermicomposting system, where possible. Packaging on product leaving the smokehouse must comply with necessary standards to maintain the 'cool chain'. However, wherever possible, these are re-used, for example in handling local deliveries.

Off-site waste disposal : The very limited quantity of waste that cannot be handled on site, is disposed of via the County Council Waste Management services.

USP is committed to meeting all relevant environmental legislation requirements and regulations. It is presently fully compliant with Cork County Council Planning Permission No. W/9B/3254, Cork County Council Licence W.P. (W) 5/00, Organic Trust Certification (No. 384), Fuchsia Brands Ltd. Code of Best Practice.

The Company is committed to keeping its environmental performance under continual review, in order to enable ongoing improvement in this area. In line with this undertaking, USP will keep this environmental policy under regular review.

Signed                                                 

 Anthony Creswell

Managing Director