Japanese Knotweed
Control is returning to SALTEX to raise awareness of a new Code of Practice for
the management of Japanese knotweed.
The INNSA Code of practice foreword has been written by Trevor
Renals of the Environment Agency, and the Code has been co-authored by INNSA
(The Invasive Non-Native Specialists Association), alongside plant experts from
Japanese Knotweed Control (JKC).
JKC are founder members of INNSA, and at the forefront of
encouraging the highest standards within the industry. INNSA aims to provide
members, customers and clients with peace of mind and quality standards
assurance.
The Code of Practice
contains the most up-to-date advice for those who may encounter, or need to
manage, land that is susceptible to or infested with the invasive plant.
Japanese Knotweed carries a significant threat to amenity, built and natural
environments of the UK.
In following the
guidance of the new Code, users can avoid excessive and recurring costs,
physical damage to man-man structures, harming the environment and even
potential legal action.
INNSA and Japanese
Knotweed Control are urging organisations to follow the guidelines outlined in
the Code of Practice to raise the quality of service in the industry. Property
owners, alongside professionals and industries that serve them, will be afforded
greater peace of mind thanks to the assurance that, using the Code, Japanese
knotweed will be controlled at the highest possible standard.
Japanese Knotweed
Control was founded in 2004, as one of the UK’s first specialist knotweed
remediation companies. Today it operates nationwide to remove invasive plants
from domestic, commercial, and public properties. JKC has drawn from its
extensive experience to provide valuable insight for the writing of the Code,
and now JKC is campaigning to raise awareness and encourage organisations to
follow the advice.
David Layland, joint
managing director at Japanese Knotweed Control, said: “Events like SALTEX are
critical in spreading awareness of important campaigns, and building their
momentum throughout the industry.
"Last year’s
campaign, Gone But Not Forgotten, proved incredibly helpful in debunking the
many myths and misconceptions surrounding Japanese knotweed. The new Code of
Practice will prove just as useful; helping readers to navigate complex
legislation such as that of waste and biodiversity, whilst outlining management
options to control infestations in a way that reduces risk and saves time and
money.”
The key
recommendations of the Code include:
- Identify any
suspected Japanese knotweed on a site as early as possible, to allow the
accurate assessment and preparation of cost options.
- Keep the amount of
any Japanese knotweed-infested soil excavated to a minimum, and never accept
topsoil until it has been inspected for Japanese knotweed rhizome (root).
- Make sure staff can
identify Japanese knotweed rhizome and vegetation so any infestation can be
better controlled.
Japanese Knotweed
Control will be at stand J189 to talk to SALTEX visitors about the INNSA Code
of Practice and the management of Japanese knotweed. SALTEX 2017 will mark
JKC’s 11th appearance at the
conference.
