A waste company has had its licence revoked after failing to comply with environmental rules.
The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit of Wakefield firm Noble Waste Treatment Ltd, following a series of breaches of permit conditions.
The company has history of failing to comply with environmental rules, the Environmental Agency said – and previous problems at the site include the storage of excessive waste for prolonged periods, the storage of waste in a manner that poses a fire risk, and the storage of waste on land outside the permitted area.
The permit revocation means that Noble Waste Treatment Ltd can no longer operate its waste transfer facility at Thornes Lane Wharf in Wakefield – and waste can no longer be accepted at the site.
Noble Waste Treatment now has until 22 September to remove waste from the permitted area of the site. If it does not comply, the firm may face the prospect of further legal action.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
“The Environment Agency has revoked Noble Waste Treatment’s permit in order to protect the environment.
“The company has a history of failing to comply with the conditions of its permit – and it has failed to respond to advice, guidance and enforcement action taken against it.
“It is vital that waste companies comply with the law, so that communities and the environment are not put at risk.
“We work with operators to help them meet their obligations – but where significant or repeated breaches occur, we will take appropriate action to protect the environment.”
Last year, the Environment Agency served a legal notice on the company to revoke its permit – but the company appealed, allowing them to continue to operate while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
However, on 22 June, the Planning Inspectorate found in favour of the Environment Agency and dismissed Noble Waste Treatment’s appeal, bringing into effect the permit revocation.
A separate company with a similar name, Noble Skip Services Ltd, is not directly affected by the permit revocation, as it operates under an existing waste carriers’ licence.
Noble Skip Services Ltd may continue to collect waste from businesses and residents, but it cannot deposit that waste at the Thornes Lane Wharf site.
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Duncan Lewis business crime solicitors can advise both companies and individuals at any stage of an offence involving environmental crimes, including misuse of permitted land, waste carrier offences, failing to manage hazardous waste, fly tipping, contaminating a watercourse, air or noise pollution, or fisheries offences.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation and before charges are brought.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 0333 772 0409.