EPA Enforcement Case: Western Brand Group

EPA prosecutes Western Brand Group Limited (P0831-01)

https://www.epa.ie/our-services/compliance–enforcement/whats-happening/prosecutions-and-penalties/prosecutions-2023/epa-prosecutes-western-brand-group-limited-p0831-01.php

On 30^th January 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency prosecuted Western Brand Group Limited (P0831-01) at Castlebar District Court,

The company pleaded guilty to 8 Charges:

• Failure to comply with condition 5.1, on the 22^nd of January 2019, in that specified emission exceed the Emission Limit Value (ELV) for Ammonia set out in Schedule B of the said licence.
• Failure to comply with condition 5.1, on the 22^nd of January 2019, in that specified emission exceed the Emission Limit Value (ELV) for Suspended Solids set out in Schedule B of the said licence.
• Failure to comply with condition 5.1, on the 23^rd of January 2019, in that specified emission exceed the Emission Limit Value (ELV) for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) set out in Schedule B of the said licence.
• Failure to comply with condition 5.1, on the 23^rd of January 2019, in that specified emission exceed the Emission Limit Value (ELV) for flow (m3/day) set out in Schedule B of the said licence.
• Failure to comply with condition 5.1, on the 19^th of February 2019, in that specified emission exceed the Emission Limit Value (ELV) for E-Coli set out in Schedule B of the said licence.
• Failure to comply with condition 8.2 on the 23^rd of January 2019, in failure to ensure that waste sent off-site for recovery/disposal was transported off-site by an authorised waste contractor in a manner that was in accordance with the appropriate National and European legislation and protocols, namely that the waste was transported in a lorry tanker by personnel who did not hold a waste collection permit.
• Failure to comply with condition 8.2 on the 23^rd of January 2019, in failure to ensure that waste sent off-site for recovery/disposal from the site of the activity to the site of recovery/disposal in a manner that was in accordance with the appropriate National and European legislation and protocols to a facility that was not the holder of a waste facility permit as required by Section 39 of the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended).
• Failure to comply with Condition 11.8, on the 23^rd of January 2019, for failing to keep a full record in respect of the transport of waste from the licensed site.

Judge Keane, having heard the evidence, convicted the company on the above charges.

Judge Keane imposed fines of €8,000 (€1,000 per charge) and costs were also awarded.