Compost site owners deny charges

THE OWNERS of a compost site in Upton have appeared in court to deny charges of disposing of hazardous waste without a licence - but could face fines of over £105,000.

Land Network Gainsborough Ltd appeared before Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday 2nd July with William Butterworth, 69, from Kingsmoor Wharf in Devizes in Wiltshire and Lincoln Electric Ltd.

Together, they face charges relating to depositing controlled waste without a permit, treating, keeping or disposing of hazardous waste without a licence and operating a waste facility without authorisation at Sturgate Airfield in Upton between 3rd June 2009 and 25th February 2010.

All parties entered not guilty pleas.

The court heard how the case involves the compost site accused of accepting welding rod waste and drawing soap waste, before diluting it with compost to be spread throughout the land. These actions are an offence without a permit.

The case was previously adjourned so the prosecution can asses 1,155 pages of experts’ reports.

Now, it has been adjourned until a two day summary trial on 29th and 30th October at Lincolnshire Magistrates where experts will present their evidence about whether or not the wastes were hazardous.