A Dunipace man who disregarded environmental laws and burnt controlled waste was fined £750 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

Mr David Graham was found guilty of knowingly permitting controlled waste, including wood, plastics, cables, fabric and sacking, insulating material, metal tubing and metal sheeting, to be disposed of by burning on his land.

He did not have a waste management licence.

The matter was investigated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

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SEPA received a complaint from a member of the public on 14 February 2011 that Mr Graham was illegally disposing of wastes by burning on land known as 'the Swamp' beside Doghillock Quarry in Denny.

On route to the site SEPA officers drove past Mr Graham who was standing on Denovan Road, near the quarry, next to his tractor and trailer. Smoke was clearly visible coming from the site and on arrival the officers found a large pile of waste on fire.

The following day, SEPA officers visited the site again, only to find waste burning at the same spot.

Susan Shirley, SEPA's investigating officer, said: "Burning of wastes is unsightly, with fumes and smoke produced from the burning of the wastes.

"There has been a history of illegally deposited material at this site and SEPA has previously taken enforcement action because of that. However, Mr Graham has exhibited a continued disregard of environmental legislation."

(NE)