Waste firm charged for causing air pollution

North Lincolnshire firm given fines and charges totalling £5,000 for illegally burning waste

Waste firm Wrawby Services Ltd in Brigg has been prosecuted by North Lincolnshire Council for illegally burning waste on its site leading to air pollution and was ordered to pay nearly £5,000.

Wrawby Services Ltd was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling almost £5,000

The company was found guilty on January 28 at Scunthorpe Magistrates Court under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for the disposal of waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment. Wrawby was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay further costs of £2,129.50 and a victim surcharge of £250.

Sentencing the company, district judge Curtis said: “Offences against the environment must be taken very seriously. Industrial organisations that pay lip service to this legislation do so at their peril.”

Smoke

An officer from the council’s Environmental Health team noticed a cloud of dark smoke rising from Island Carr Industrial Estate in Brigg on December 11 2012. It was identified that this was coming from a fire at the Wrawby Services depot on the Industrial Estate. The council said that business operates road sweepers from this depot and the material being burnt included rubber hoses and vehicle parts.

Councillor Nigel Sherwood, North Lincolnshire’s cabinet member for highways and neighbourhood, said: “The council is responsible for controlling and preventing air pollution whether under local air pollution controls or by tackling burning of waste. Commercial waste fires usually occur due to businesses seeking to avoid the cost of legitimate waste disposal.

“Taxpayers’ money is spent investigating and preventing illegal burning of waste, which could be put to better use. It is totally unacceptable for businesses to think they can get away with disposing of waste illegally, especially when it can have a detrimental effect on the environment.”

Burning waste produces smoke, causing air pollution. Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles are release into the air. Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only create an unpleasant smell but also produces poisonous compounds.

The council added that ignoring pollution control laws can have a potentially significant effect on the rising numbers of local people who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems related to air pollution. Pollution can be distressing, both mentally and physically for residents and businesses.