The company behind plans to scrap the so-called US "ghost-ships" on Teesside has been fined a total of £26,522 for improperly disposing of asbestos. Able UK admitted to failing to cover or dampen the hazardous waste at Hartlepool's Seaton Meadows landfill, where heavy machinery is used to crush the asbestos. A process which could have released dangerous fibres into the air.
The Environment Agency had twice raised concerns with the site manager during two routine inspections of the landfill in October 2005 and January 2006. Able UK had no previous convictions for environmental offences and had entered an early guilty plea to two offences under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations SI 2000/1973. Although the company held a permit for disposing of the asbestos the site was actually being operated by Alab Environmental Services.
Andrew Dobson, Environment Agency officer said, "The Regulations specify strict controls on the disposal of hazardous waste, including asbestos, with the purpose of minimising the risk of harm to people and the environment. Failure to adhere to their requirements potentially increased the risk of asbestos fibre and I am pleased that the court has viewed the incident so seriously."
