A recycling company in Scotland was penalized
with a record of £ 200,000 for burying waste underground without a Waste
Management License.
Doonin Plant Ltd and director Gary Doonin,
47, were found guilty of two charges for keeping waste that will lead to environmental disaster.
Doonin sentence will take effect next year at
Livingston Sheriff Court and has been cautioned not to cause further pollution
or will be imprisoned.
According to the Company's QC John Hamilton
told in court, the company is closing for business together with its 27
employees since he doesn't want to be in that kind of field anymore.
The penalty is the highest ever in Scotland
for the violation of environmental regulations.
Doonin denied all the accusations and he thought that he was single out by waste watchdog SEPA and will appeal the sentenced which
concerns to the colliery site at Armadale, West Lothian.
Mr. Hamilton also pointed out that it was
wrong for the Crown to state that they are the worst polluter in Scotland.
He said: “SEPA publishes a list of its worst
polluters every year and Doonin Plant has never been on that list.
“There was no gas and no evidence of any
watercourses being polluted.”
According to Sheriff Douglas Kinloch said the
company was guilty of a "serious and significant breach" that can
lead to hazard in the environment and public health.
He also showed that the company has been
penalized for such charge a few months before the 2010 Armadale incidents and
had prior convictions.
SEPA area manager Ian Buchanan said: “The
sentence is a positive result for the public and legitimate waste operators.”
Craig Harris, head of the Crown Office and
Procurator Fiscal Service wildlife and environmental crime unit, said: “Doonin
Plant and Gary Doonin carried out activities with a total disregard for the
environment – and not for the first time.”
by Waste Clearance London
by Waste Clearance London
