A demolition company which burned so much waste at a site in Stranraer that the plume of smoke dominated the town's skyline has received a £3,200 fine at the town's sheriff court.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency followed up complaints about the Reigart Contracts' site and found smoke billowing across neighbouring properties from a fire which measured 12 metres by nine and which contained waste bricks, soil, plastics, electrical cable, roofing materials and wood.
Despite ordering it to be extinguished, it continued to receive complaints.
"The uncontrolled burning of wastes such as treated wood and other miscellaneous wastes (which may have been chemically treated also) can give off toxic chemicals which, as well as polluting the environment, can harm human health," said investigating officer Ronald Todhunter.
"Soot, smoke and ash can directly cause odour nuisance for the local population, as well as deposition of particulates on property and land, as occurred in this case. Acidic gases such as oxides of sulphur and nitrogen can cause irritation of the eyes and the respiratory system. This incident resulted in numerous complaints to SEPA from people in neighbouring properties, occurring as it did in close proximity to housing, a food manufacturing plant and a local hospital."
Reigart Contracts pled guilty to one offence of illegal waste disposal at the former Coachmans Tavern site in Stranraer's Belmont Road, contrary to Section 33(1)(b)(i) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
