Greenock-based firm, Ross & Fullerton Ltd, pled guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court of breaching its Waste Management Licence by storing special waste at its premises in Ratho Street.

Four drums were discovered by SEPA officers during a routine inspection in April 1999. These were later analysed and identified as containing waste paint and thinners from a nearby shipyard, stored since September the previous year.

Ross and Fullerton Ltd operate a waste transfer station licensed to accept household, commercial and industrial controlled waste as defined by Section 75 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended).

"The handling or keeping of controlled waste is the subject of strict legislative controls to ensure that waste is managed in such a manner as to prevent pollution of the environment, harm to human health and serious detriment to the amenities of the locality," said SEPA Environment Protection Officer, John Higgins. "SEPA will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers in cases such as this."

Editors Note
· Special Waste - those types of waste which cause greatest environmental damage or are dangerous to human health. These are usually hazardous or toxic.