SEPA Cracks Down on City Fly Tippers
Issued on 21 August 1997

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency plans to report three more cases to the Procurator Fiscal as Scotland’s pollution watchdog continues to crack down on fly tipping.

All the cases arose as a result of a stakeout at the former Freightliner terminal in Glasgow’s Cathcart Road by Agency environmental protection officers in conjunction with British Transport Police.

The site, owned by the Rail Properties Board has been a focus for numerous illegal dumpers and has only recently been secured following occupation by travellers.

SEPA was contacted in March by Glasgow City Council and following inspection of the southside site found not only large amounts of construction waste including asbestos, but also domestic and general commercial waste. A small amount of clinical waste was also discovered in June.

"The site is now secure," said a spokesperson for the Agency. "The Rail Properties Board has co-operated in clearing all the hazardous material from the site. Fly-tipping is an offence which we view seriously, because it causes a threat to the environment and public health. We want to encourage people and businesses to use the proper disposal routes and we would prefer to solve the problem by persuasion, not prosecution. However, illegal tippers should be aware that if necessary, we will take strong action to solve the problem.

"Any person found guilty of illegally depositing waste could be liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding £20,000, or both."

SEPA also needs public help to crack down on illegal tippers. Anyone who sees anyone fly tipping should call our 24 hour national pollution Hotline on 0345 737271.

For more information contact:
Alison Hay, SEPA West Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01355 574226
Mobile: 0467 325226

ENDS

SEPA Press Office contacts

Press Officer: Maggie Hamilton. Tel: 01786 457724
Head of Public Affairs: Monica Straughan. Tel: 01786 457723 Mobile 0421 942498

SEPA Head Office, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR
Tel: 01786 457700 Fax: 01786 448040

Contact SEPA Public Affairs at publicrelations@sepa.org.uk

© SEPA 1997