Waste company fined £16,000 for fly infestation and permit breach

A waste company based in the North East of England was handed a fine of £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000 after breaching its environmental permit. This led to a fly infestation at the site in Monument Park, Washington.

Niramax Group Limited also failed to comply with an enforcement notice at its site at Tofts Farm, Hartlepool, where a large amount of waste tyres had created a potential fire hazard.

The Washington infestation appeared to come about as a result of the bay doors not operating properly, affecting pest control measures. Neighbours were approached by the Environment Agency, and confirmed the negative impact of the infestation.

A further notice was served in regards to the tyres, when the agency received complaints about dust. In addition to the fly infestation and tyres, further breaches were found relating to dust, and a dust management plan was issued to resolve the breach.

The Environment Agency made a statement that they “hope this case reassures our communities that we will do everything possible to ensure operators comply with their permit, and take enforcement action when they don’t.”

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