The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a £600 fine to West Lothian-based haulier Basil Baird and Sons Limited for illegally burning waste, reports Peter Brown.
SEPA served the Fixed Monetary Penalty after the regulator found that they burned waste at Nethershiel Farm in East Calder on 14 June 2024 as there was no authorisation permitting burning at the location.
Agency officers said they spoke with a director of the haulage firm, who confirmed that he had lit the fire, burning paperwork from his business activities and other items in the skip.
Calum McGregor of SEPA’s environmental crime team said: “Illegally burning waste is unacceptable and often done to avoid the charges for taking wastes to permitted waste sites for recovery or disposal.
When inappropriate waste is burned it can release harmful gases and any ash and waste which is left behind can also pollute surface and groundwater.
“This civil penalty should act as a warning to others that we will take action against those who ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations.”
