Woman spared jail over illegal farm waste site
Landfill and the burning of rubbish was said to cause ‘unacceptable risk’
AWOMAN who operated an illegal waste site on a Valley farm has been spared a jail sentence. Maxine Howarth allowed more than 4,500 tonnes of material to be brought onto the site of Dry Corner Farm in Bacup without a permit.
The illegal site involved landfilling and burning of waste, causing ‘unacceptable risk’ to the environment and local rivers.
Howarth, who was prosecuted along with the permitted waste carrier by The Environment Agency on April 1, was handed a suspended sentence of 18 weeks in prison, held for two years.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Ms Howarth failed to respond to warnings and enforcement notices to cease operations at the Dry Corner Farm site, despite repeated site inspections and warnings.”
AWOMAN who operated an illegal waste site on a Valley farm has avoided jail.
Maxine Howarth allowed more than 4,500 tonnes of material to be brought onto the site of Dry Corner Farm in Bacup without a permit.
The illegal site involved landfilling and burning of waste, causing ‘unacceptable risk’ to the environnment and local rivers.
The waste tipping also caused damage to trees and an electricity pole.
Howarth, who was prosecuted along with the permitted waste carrier by The Environment Agency on April 1, was handed a suspended sentence of 18 weeks in prison, held for two years.
She was also ordered to pay £750 in costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Ms Howarth failed to respond to warnings and enforcement notices to cease operations at the Dry Corner Farm site, despite repeated site inspections and warnings from Environment Agency Officers.
“This caused unacceptable risks to the environment, local residents and businesses.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to tackle environmental crime which can have devastating effects on people, the environment and legitimate business.
“We are committed to ensuring that appropriate environmental standards are adhered to.
“Waste carriers are required to register & operate in line with a set of rules that protect the environment and their customers.
“These include disposing of waste in the right place, storing it safely and keeping accurate records of transfer and disposal.
“If you suspect that waste crime is going on in your area, report it immediately.
“Environmental incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 807060 and anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”