The Environment Agency has admitted it had raised concerns about fire risks at a Swindon-based recycling facility prior to a blaze at the site that continues to cause disruption today (July 24).
Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to a fire involving 1,000 tonnes of general and building waste at Averies Recycling (Swindon) Ltd in Marshgate on Monday evening (July 21).
While efforts are being made to reduce the amount of waste on site, crews were still dampening down the blaze this morning which is likely to burn for several days.
The fire has produced acrid smoke that has forced some residents and neighbouring businesses to keep their windows and doors shut. Local press reports claim the fire originated in a skip lorry on the site.
Averies Recycling (Swindon) is permitted to carry out operations at the Marshgate site. However, concerns have been raised by Environment Agency staff and the local fire service during routine inspections throughout the course of the year.
In recent years the company has been found to be in breach of 32 health and safety regulations by the Health & Safety Executive, including a failure to control transport movements on the site, poor maintenance of vehicles and buildings, and a lack of suitable washing facilities.
Prosecution
In November 2013, the firm was prosecuted at Bristol Crown Court for allowing dust to escape from its site and forced to pay 73,000 in fines and costs. A number of improvement conditions were placed on the site requiring changes in infrastructure and management to meet the permit conditions.
And, company owner Lee Averies was fined 2,000 for neglecting to ensure appropriate measures were in place or followed (see letsrecycle.com story).
Commenting on the Averies Recycling fire, a spokesman for the Environment Agency said: Environment Agency staff have inspected Averies Waste Site on several occasions this year as part of our routine regulation of permitted waste sites. We have raised concerns about fire risks and have visited the site with the fire service.
A bund has built along the edge of the site, this is currently preventing contaminated fire water entering the River Cole. Our officers remain on the site today, advising and working with the fire service.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, Averies Recycling said that it was a really difficult time for the company.
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