Burntwood factory prosecuted after exceeding emissions limit

Oct 31, 2011 by Ross

Lichfield District Council has successfully prosecuted a Burntwood factory after it was found to be throwing out too high a level of emissions.

Maier UK Ltd was sentenced at Cannock Magistrates Court after breaching the solvent emissions limit of its environmental permit.

The Burntwood-based factory manufactures and paints plastic car parts. Following routine inspections by the council’s environmental health team, the factory was found to be emitting 66.49 tonnes of solvent into the atmosphere, 46.84 tonnes over its agreed annual limit.

After the company failed to change its manufacturing processes to bring the emissions back in line, the council started court proceedings.

Maier UK Ltd was fined £26,500, ordered to pay court costs of £13,958, and £15 victim surcharge – a total of £40,473.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for housing, health and environmental protection, said: “After a lengthy investigation, we are pleased this case has been successfully resolved.

“It’s our role to make sure companies fulfil their responsibility towards the environment, and this prosecution shows how important it is that businesses comply with environmental standards.

“We’re encouraged that, as a result of these proceedings, the Spanish-owned company has committed to investing around €1 million into making the necessary changes to bring down its emissions to the agreed limit, in line with European standards.”