27 September 2018

Stirling landowner, George Adam was fined £6,000 and served with a Confiscation Order, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, for £20,388 at Stirling Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday 26 September 2018).

Mr Adam pled guilty to illegally managing and keeping asbestos, plastics and other wastes, at the former Cowie Road Landfill, Bannockburn, without the necessary authorisations from SEPA.

SEPA officers attended the former landfill site, operated by Mr Adam, at Cowie Road on several occasions between 24 July 2015 and 7 December 2015 to assess compliance with the site’s registered exemption. At these visits SEPA officers noted that waste, which did not comply with the exemption, was present on site and also outwith the exemption boundary.

Sampling of the waste confirmed that materials including soil, stones, plastic, metals, wood and waste trommel fines, containing asbestos, were present on site. Leachate was also observed at the site which had the potential to seep into the ground and enter the groundwater, and also to eventually result in odours off-site.

Whilst SEPA served an enforcement notice under the Environmental Protection Act on Mr Adam on 7 December 2015, requiring the removal of waste from the site, further site visits by SEPA Officers showed that the waste had not been removed. The enforcement notice had not been complied with.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment, and we are clear that environmental compliance is non-negotiable. 

“Waste activities are subject to strict regulations to ensure that the environment is protected. George Adam has shown a blatant disregard for these regulations and we are pleased that he has been held to account for this.

“We have a good track record of compliance in Scotland. One reason for this success is that, where these standards are not met, we are determined to take tough action. This is at the heart of our regulatory strategy, One Planet Prosperity. SEPA will always take enforcement action in line with our enforcement policy against those who persist with such unlawful business practices.”

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Notes to editors

The exact charge George Adam pled guilty to was:

(002) On repeated occasions between 24 July 2015 and 20 January 2016, both dates inclusive at the former Cowie Road Landfill, Cowie Road, Bannockburn you GEORGE ADAM did manage and keep controlled waste, namely soil and stones and waste trommel fines containing asbestos, paper, plastic, glass, wood, polystyrene, plasterboard, tiles , metals, insulation material, gravel, concrete, wire, bricks and ceramics in or on said land otherwise than in accordance with a waste management licence in that you did keep said waste on said land without the authority of a waste management licence and out-with the terms of any registered waste management exemption; CONTRARY to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 33(1)(b)(i) and (6) as amended

27 September 2018

An exciting new river restoration project designed to restore the Glazert Water to a more natural condition and minimise the likelihood of flooding in the River Kelvin Catchment downstream is one step closer.

The proposal for the Glazert River Restoration Project in the heart of Lennoxtown is the result of a study commissioned by SEPA and the Scottish Government to restore natural waterways.

The aim is to provide flood risk benefits to the River Kelvin and to reduce the likelihood of flooding to communities in Kirkintilloch and Torrance. The restoration work will physically restore the Glazert watercourse in Lennoxtown.

This will also enhance the water quality and revitalise the wildlife corridor serving the communities of north Kirkintilloch, Milton of Campsie, Lennoxtown, Clachan of Campsie and Haughhead.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said:

The proposed works will provide protection for communities previously affected by flooding and the wider area will also become more resilient to the type of extreme weather events that climate change is likely to bring. The works would also enhance opportunities for outdoor access and recreation.”

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment, and we are committed to using partnerships as our principal way of delivering environmental outcomes.

“This exciting project to improve the condition of the Glazert Water is good news for local communities and the environment. This will restore wildlife and habitats along the river, minimise the likelihood of flooding and improve amenity for locals. We will continue to work with our partners to help ensure the sustainable future of the Glazert Water.”

SEPA will provide technical expertise on the project and have received match WEF (Water Environment Fund) funding from Scottish Government.

The project aims to reconnect the river back to the original flood plain which will have benefits for areas downstream where risk of flooding will be reduced. Improved water quality will help to increase biodiversity. Historically, industrial pollution including red ore from mining in the area had reduced the water quality of the Glazert river.

The next stage is to produce a detailed plan which would then be subject to approval. If the proposal gets the green light, the project would take three years from detailed design to completion in 2021.

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