Asbestos News
UK trucking companies fined for illegal asbestos disposal
A number of UK trucking companies were recently fined for illegally dumping asbestos-containing waste on a farm in Cornwall.The companies - along with the director of a dumpster rental firm - were fined nearly £100,000 for dumping the waste at Trenoweth Farm, according to a release from the Environment Agency.
It was alleged that the companies dumped 9,000 metric tons of waste from construction and demolition projects on the farm. Such waste often contains asbestos as the naturally occurring material was once widely used in buildings as a flame retardant and insulator. However, it has now been known for decades that exposure to the material could cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Redwynn Sterry with the Environment Agency said that the proper disposal of asbestos was essential.
"This case demonstrates how important it is for those who handle waste to make full and adequate checks in respect of where waste is deposited. Simply taking the word of a so called 'site agent' or landowner is unacceptable," he said.
The companies were also ordered to pay back profits under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
8/23/11
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