07.10.2008

Water Pollution Costs Company Over £17,000

Thomas Gaskin operating as TG Commercials in East Bramley, South Yorkshire was fined £3,000 relating to one offence of the Water Resources Act, £12,000 for two breaches of the Environmental Protection Act and ordered to pay costs of £2,783.59 for polluting Bramley Brook.

TG Commercials operates a site used for the dismantling of heavy goods vehicles and the removal of polluting fluids such as engine oils. In July 2007 the Environment Agency received four notifications of oil on the Maltby Dike. There were also reports of wildlife covered in oil as a result of the incident.

The oil was traced to Bramley Brook, downstream of TG Commercials, which flows into Maltby Dike. Environment Agency Officers entered the site of TG Commercials and inspected the de-polluting area. This was found to be poorly maintained with pools of standing water contaminated with oil and an oil stained channel leading from the area directly to the Bramley Brook.

Speaking after the case James Hobson, an Environment Agency Officer involved in the investigation said:-

"It is important that any companies or individuals involved in the storage of oils and fuels do so in a manner that will not cause pollution of the environment."