Burning waste results in £500 fine for Angus man
EXT01 – D01
A project manager at Barry Downs Holiday Park was fined £500 at
Arbroath Sheriff Court on Thursday, 29 April for burning waste on
the caravan site near Carnoustie.
Mr Andrew Young was fined after pleading guilty to treating,
keeping or disposing of controlled waste, namely waste wood,
plastic and metals, by burning at Barry Downs Holiday Park,
Barry when there was no waste management licence in place. The
matter was investigated by the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency (SEPA) and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 13 January 2009 black smoke was seen by a SEPA staff member
whilst they were driving on the A92. Two SEPA officers went to
investigate and, following the two distinct plumes of smoke, were
guided to Barry Downs Holiday Park. Two fires on site were burning
waste, one mostly consisting of wood the other burning wastes such
as plastics and metals which were giving off black smoke. Mr
Young was on site and was made aware that he was committing an
offence and the issue of burning waste was discussed.
The next day the SEPA officers returned to inspect the site and
they discovered three fires burning, and a skip being loaded with
the smouldering remnants of a fire.
Graham Ross, SEPA's investigating officer, said:
"Burning mixed waste in an uncontrolled way can release toxic
substances into the atmosphere which can cause detrimental health
effects in humans."
SEPA's Colin Bayes, Director of Environmental Protection and
Improvement said:
"We want to help people avoid pollution and advice on how to do
that is easily available from our staff, offices and www.sepa.org.uk. The NetRegs website, www.netregs.gov.uk 
, also offers clear guidance on environmental rules and
regulations. However, where pollution is significant or persistent,
or is as a result of wilful or negligent actions, SEPA will use its
enforcement powers to protect the environment for the benefit of
all of Scotland's citizens.
"Importantly, if a pollution incident occurs, we urge anyone to
let us know straight away by calling our 24 hour pollution report
line, 0800 80 70 60, giving as many details as possible so
effective action can be taken."
Ends
Notes to editors
The exact charge Andrew Young pled guilty to was:
Between 13 January 2009 and 14 January 2009 at Barry Downs
Holiday Park, Barry, near Carnoustie, DD7 7SA you ANDREW YOUNG did
treat keep or dispose of controlled waste, namely waste wood,
plastic and metals in or on said land otherwise than in accordance
with a waste management licence in that said waste wood, plastic
and metals were disposed of by burning in or on said land when
there was no waste management licence in force in respect of said
land;
CONTRARY to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section
33(1)(b)(i).