Burning waste results in £500 fine

Published SEPA: May 2010

A project manager at a Holiday Park was fined £500 at Sheriff Court on Thursday, 29 April for burning waste on the caravan site.

The man was fined after pleading guilty to treating, keeping or disposing of controlled waste, namely waste wood, plastic and metals, by burning at the Holiday Park 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.

In 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 the 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. The project manager 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."

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