The regulator examined the activities of Winfield Transport, Ranjit Farming and Gwella Contracting Services, identifying failures to comply with environmental permitting requirements.
Rather than pursuing prosecution, the agency accepted enforcement undertakings from all three firms – a civil sanction that directs funds toward environmental and community projects.
An enforcement undertaking allows offending companies to make amends by funding good causes, while also requiring them to implement improvements to prevent repeat offences.
Tim de Winton, Area Environment Manager at the EA, said: “Waste regulations are in place to protect people and the environment, and it is essential that all companies follow the rules.
“Improperly handled waste undermines legitimate businesses, poses a threat to the environment and harms local communities.
“Our enforcement action shows we are determined to ensure compliance with permits and waste legislation. And these sanctions enable meaningful investment in the environment.”
Winfield Transport
Winfield Transport came under investigation after depositing waste at an illegal site in Cornwall.
The site’s landowner had previously been prosecuted for operating without the required permissions, having ignored multiple warnings and formal notices.
More than 10,000 tonnes of mixed waste were discovered at the site, including household refuse, demolition materials and hazardous substances such as asbestos.
Winfield Transport, operating as a haulage firm, deposited soils and stones at the location between July 2022 and February 2023.
By using the unpermitted site, the company avoided an estimated £8,100 in legitimate disposal costs.
As part of its enforcement undertaking, the firm agreed to pay £14,000, with funds directed to the Woodland Trust and the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
Ranjit Farming
Ranjit Farming was investigated after receiving approximately 2,700 tonnes of shillet, a type of rock, at a farm near Newton Abbot between November 2022 and February 2023.
Although the farm held permission to reuse the material, the EA found that it had exceeded permitted tonnage limits.
The company agreed to contribute £6,000 to the Devon Wildlife Trust as part of its enforcement undertaking.
Gwella Contracting Services
Gwella Contracting Services was investigated for storing asbestos at sites in Exeter and Bristol during 2024 without holding the necessary environmental permits.
Asbestos is a tightly regulated hazardous material due to the serious risks it poses to human health if disturbed or improperly handled.
Following the investigation, Gwella agreed to an enforcement undertaking which includes a payment of £8,500 to the Woodland Trust.
Subscribe for free