The Environment Agency has prosecuted the operator of a waste facility, who ran an end-of-life vehicle treatment facility without the necessary environmental permit.
Miroslav Stoyanov operated the site at 47 Chapel Road, Rotherwas in Hereford. Environment Agency officers first attended the site on 21 May 2015, where they noticed a number of car shells, piles of segregated vehicle parts, a number of car bonnets and racking containing other car parts.
On 26 May 2015, Stoyanov was served with a notice to produce all transfer notes for his vehicle breaking activities between 1 April 2014 and 26 May 2015, to which he failed to respond.
Environment Officers confirmed there were no environmental permits or exemptions registered to the location.
On 12 July 2015, Environment Agency officers found Stoyanov was connected with selling vehicle parts on a number of websites also under the name of Auto Parts 2000 – and had profited considerably from this.
When interviewed by Environment Agency officers, Stoyanov admitted to conducting vehicle-breaking activities. He admitted selling car parts from end-of-life vehicles in the UK and Bulgaria, as well as through a number of websites.
He also admitted to incorrectly disposing of hazardous waste from the vehicles – and admitted transporting waste without a waste carrier licence.
At Hereford Magistrates’ Court, Stoyanov pleaded guilty to one offence of operating an end-of-life vehicle treatment facility without the necessary environmental permit.
The charge was brought by the Environment Agency contrary to Regulation 12 (1) and 38 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010.
Stoyanov was ordered to pay a total of £5,400 – including a £270 fine, £3,210 in compensation, £1,900 in costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
After the case, an Environment Agency officer in charge of the investigation said:
“When a business operates without a permit it puts the environment at risk – it can also result in legitimate competitors being unfairly undercut.
“We offer guidance and advice to people wanting to work in the waste business to help them ensure they do not break the law – but they need to follow that advice before starting work.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis can advise companies and individuals on environmental offences at any stage of an investigation or charge – including charges relating to pollution of watercourses, air pollution, failing to manage hazardous waste, waste carrier offences, fly tipping, misuse of permitted land, fisheries offences and noise pollution.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can attend interviews with investigating and prosecuting authorities to advise on breaches of environmental law.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.