THE ENVIRONMENT Agency have prosecuted operators of a Shap-based quarry firm for water pollution offences.
Armstrong Aggregates were prosecuted for failing to adhere to an environmental permit to discharge water into Wasdale Beck on land at Shap Pink Quarry at Shap, Penrith, Cumbria.
The EA have said such an act caused 'unacceptable risk' to the environment and wildlife such as Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout - species that are sensitive to water quality.
Armstrong Aggregates repeatedly breached their permit by allowing water with high suspended solids to be discharged into Wasdale Beck, which was not allowed under their permit.
Following extensive advice from Environment Agency Officers, an Enforcement Notice was served requiring several steps to be taken with the aim of bringing Armstrong Aggregates back into compliance with their permit.
Despite this, armstrong Aggregates continued allow water to be discharged into Wasdale Beck in breach of its environmental permit.
Armstrong Aggregates were fined £2000 for failing to comply with the enforcement notice, £2400 for failing to comply with the environmental permit and ordered to pay costs of £19,000 and a victim surcharge of £181.
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An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "We are glad to see the outcome of this prosecution and would like to thank members of the public for reporting these offences to us. Armstrong Aggregates caused unacceptable risk to the environment and local wildlife, including Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout.
"We will always work closely with companies who want to do the right thing and take action against those who don’t such as Armstrong Aggregates. The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime such as this and we are committed to ensuring that appropriate environmental standards are adhered to.
"If people see a water pollution, they should report it to our 24-hour incident hotline 0800 807060 and give as much detail as possible. Let’s work together to stamp out water pollution and protect our beautiful countryside."
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