The Environment Agency has prosecuted a Fareham company for not complying with waste management licensing regulations. .
Beautifuels Ltd of West Street, Fareham, appeared at Fareham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 9 December 2008 and pleaded guilty to three charges under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 . The company holds a Waste Management Licence to process waste vegetable oil into biodiesel. However, they were operating outside of the licensed area. The company was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,119.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is in place to regulate and ensure that waste management operations are conducted in such a way to minimise environmental impact
Gareth Bates Environment Management Team Leader of the Environment Agency said: "The aim of these Regulations is to ensure that waste is managed in a controlled manner to reduce environmental risk. It was unfortunate that this business chose to ignore warnings from the Environment Agency that would have avoided the need for a court case. Our aim is to protect the environment and provide a level playing field for businesses within the waste industry".
In sentencing the Magistrates took into account the company's guilty plea when determining the level of fine whilst awarding the full costs borne by the Environment Agency in bringing the case to court.
Information and advice on good environmental practice for smaller businesses is available at www.netregs.gov.uk, a website set up by the UK's environmental regulators, or by calling Environment Agency on 08708 506506.