SOUTHEND Airport will no longer discharge water containing traces of de-icer into Prittle Brook.

The airport has withdrawn its application to the Environment Agency for a licence to discharge 79,188 gallons of water containing traces of de-icer into the water course.

It had been carrying out the practice for two years, but now plans to build water tanks to capture the run-off.

The airport had previously been criticised by conservation groups and the Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority which said the practice could lead to increased pollution and have a damaging effect of marine life, such as oysters.

However, the airport said those claims had been discounted by an assessment it had carried out.

An airport spokesman said: “This permit is intended to formally put controls in place for the run-off of surface water from airport runway and taxiways which during the winter months may contain traces of de-icing fluid used to maintain safe operations.”

The airport said it had carried out a compliance assessment of both Prittle and Eastwood brook to ensure water quality met current regulations.

The spokesman added: “The introduction of treatment and storage facilities within the airport meant the changes to the proposals originally detailed in the permit application were significant enough that the Environment Agency recommended that it would be more appropriate to withdraw the current application and submit a new one.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We will consider this new application once it has been submitted and ensure that all interested parties are informed so they can have a chance to comment on it.”