U.K Environment Agency Hits Scrap Dealers with Steep Fine

The United Kingdom’s Environment Agency and Lancashire Police have secured 315,500 pounds (US$470,000) in fines and costs under the Proceeds of Crime Act and environmental legislation, for organized crime carried out in Lancaster.

David Peters and Tracey Noble pleaded guilty to offenses concerning the operation of a scrap metal yard. In addition to the fine, the two were ordered to forfeit items from the business, including a forklift truck and HGV. The site did not have the required environmental permits in place to carry out these activities, and was undercutting legitimate businesses.

Both defendants could face imprisonment if they fail to pay the debts within six months.

The prosecution came as a result of Operation Blade, which saw joint working between the Environment Agency and Lancashire Police to investigate and tackle illegal waste activity across the county. The Environment Agency has the power to seize assets under the proceeds of crime legislation, and worked closely with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the legislation was used to maximum effect.

A site visit, carried out as part of the operation, found hundreds of vehicles being held on site in various states of disrepair. The site was not set up to handle the hazardous wastes and liquids which come from vehicles. There were no sealed drainage system and vehicle parts were not stored on a suitably impermeable surface. As such, the site could cause significant harm to the environment.

"This case sends out a clear message that waste crime is a serious crime. We have the legal powers through the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize property and assets where it is proved that these environmental criminals benefited from their actions,” says Liz O’Neil, area manager for the EA.

“This was a deliberate attempt by David Peters and Tracey Noble to operate a scrap metal business illegally so that they could make as much money as possible in a short space of time without having to keep to the regulations that apply to the waste management industry.  As well as prosecuting them for this illegal operation, by charging them under the Proceeds of Crime Act, we are ensuring that they can’t keep hold of the money they amassed in this way,” says Robert Smith, Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service in Lancashire.

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