Inca worked with ICI on research at its Billingham site on the wildlife value of reedbeds created to treat effluent before it was discharged into rivers.
Large populations of aphids had sprung up on the site thanks to the reedbeds, which in turn support the 74 species of birds recorded since 1993.
The site is of regional importance for reed warblers, sedge warblers, reed buntings and water rail.
In addition, more than 240 species of beetle have been recorded, 20 of which are nationally uncommon and in some cases rare.
The ownership of the reedbeds was later transferred to Air Products Ltd, which is continuing the ecological monitoring. Inca is promoting similar reedbed habitats elsewhere across industrial Teesside, including at the BP Cats terminal, where a pipeline brings North Sea gas ashore.
Published: 30/03/2004
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