Composting company fined following odour complaints
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has levied a
fine against a Perthshire-based composting company following odour
complaints.
TEG Environmental Limited's composting site in Binn Farm,
Glenfarg had attracted numerous complaints from residents in nearby
Abernethy due to 'offensive odours.'
During 2009, SEPA responded to three separate complaints
regarding the 'sickly, sour' odour emanating from the site. The
unpleasant smells were attributed to the large piles of green waste
and food waste, both being stored in quantities too big for the
site to properly treat and process.
Following the investigations, SEPA issued a Variation Notice
asking the firm to improve its odour abatement system. Limits on
the amount of waste stored were also put into place. Another
incident in which TEG Environmental allowed leachate to pollute the
soil at the site was also referenced by SEPA.
The firm pleaded guilty to contravening their permit conditions
by failing to contain odours and also by allowing the release of
leachate at Perth Sheriff Court and was fined £14,000.
SEPA Area Manager, Colin Anderson, said, "The outcome of this
court case emphasises the need for Operators to comply with the
conditions of their Permit. Where companies do not comply with
their Permit, SEPA will not hesitate to take enforcement
action."