Fined for burning toxic waste on farm

A demolition company owner who threatened to bring his guns to a meeting at the Otago Regional Council offices has been fined for illegally burning material which gives off highly toxic fumes.

Clearwaters Otago Ltd and its director John Robert James Clearwater (56) have been fined a total of $16,125 after attempting to ''cut costs'' by burning demolition waste on Mr Clearwater's farm in Allans Beach Rd on Otago Peninsula, instead of taking it to the city's landfill.

The company and Clearwater were each convicted on two charges brought by the Otago Regional Council; one for discharging contaminants to air on August 23, 2013, by burning materials containing heavy metals, that were painted and had other coatings or plastics, contravening the Regional Plan: Air for Otago and the National Environmental Standard.

The second charge was for discharging contaminants, such as demolition waste including painted timber, metals, plastics, insulation and wiring, contravening the Regional Plan: Waste.

In the Dunedin District Court yesterday, Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer said Clearwater's actions were deliberate and planned as he was ''definitely'' aware of the rules which banned such burning.

''There was an element of defiance in the offending.''

An aggravating factor was the comment made over the phone to the enforcement officer that he would bring a gun to an interview at the council offices, even though the statement was later retracted, he said.

''The threat against a council officer doing his or her job is unacceptable to the court.''

A lack of up-to-date financial information on the company and Clearwater's own finances was concerning, Judge Dwyer said.

Further financial information was suppressed by the judge.

Read the original post:
Fined for burning toxic waste on farm