Company lighting illegal toxic fires fined $11,900, Hawke’s Bay

A company in Hawke's Bay has been fined $11,900 for lighting fires that contained toxic items, plastic, bottles, clear tiles and strapping. Other items included wood that was painted, insulation, a mattress and polystyrene and lastly timber.

Earlier this year another company was fined for $12,555 for lighting an illegal fire in Frimley.

The Regional Council for Hawke's bay says that a court decision to fine the company for burning the items prohibited sends a strong message to the community.

The legal case took place at Hastings District Court, the company which has suppression pleaded guilty to discharging contaminant into the air and was sentenced and fined by Judge Dickey.

Regional Council Chair Rex Graham says it's really pleasing to see pollution being taken so seriously: “I hope this fine makes other people stop and think before they carry out any illegal burning,” he says.

Mike Alebardi, who is the Pollution Response and Enforcement Team Leader, says that the Region Council is committed to enforcing the rules that protect the air, environment and the health of the community.

“This kind non-compliance is unacceptable, and we've shown the Regional Council will pursue these activities through the court if necessary. It's one of the strongest signals we can send to discourage others not to burn prohibited items,” he says.

If anyone has information regarding unauthorised discharges to land, air or water they should contact the Council's 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 0800 108 838.

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