A waste operator based in St Columb that dumped rubbish at an illegal site in St Newlyn East has agreed to pay £14,000 towards environmental projects.

Winfield Transport Limited will invest the money into The Woodland Trust and the Westcountry Rivers Trust following an investigation carried out at Shepherds Farm by the Environment Agency.

The haulage company, which was responsible for deposits of waste soils and stones between July 2022 and February 2023, agreed to the sanction known as an enforcement undertaking, which can be used as an alternative to a prosecution and allows money to go directly to good causes.

Winfield transport Limited avoided an estimated £8,100 in waste disposal costs by depositing waste at the illegal site.

The waste company has put in place robust measures to ensure full compliance with regulations in the future as part of the sanction.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Winfield Transport Limited deposited waste at a site in Cornwall which was operating illegally.

“The landowner of the site was prosecuted last year after he ignored multiple warnings and formal notices.

“Over 10,000 tonnes of household, demolition and hazardous waste, including asbestos, was found at the premises.

“Businesses that handle waste have a legal waste duty of care.

“This means that businesses are responsible for knowing where they are sending their waste and taking steps to ensure that their waste is handled by legal sites.

“As part of the agreement, the company reviewed its procedures and provided refresher training to staff.”

Martin Harvey was ordered to repay £72,500 for running the illegal waste site at Shepherds Farm after appearing at Truro Crown Court on Friday, October 3.

He pleaded guilty to four offences. The court heard there was no environmental permit for the site which would allow the legal deposit of waste.

Harvey also deposited waste and filled in a wooded valley and a watercourse in order to create flattened areas on the land, which he then intended to develop.

Approximately 10,000 of tonnes of mixed construction and demolition waste, including hazardous material such as white and blue asbestos, was present at the site.

In a separate case Gwella Contracting Services Ltd, which has a branch at Scorrier, has agreed to pay The Woodland Trust £8,500 after storing asbestos waste at its Exeter and Bristol branches in 2024 without holding a permit for the sites.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Asbestos is a carefully controlled waste material because of the risk to human health.

“The company agreed to carry out a full audit of waste policy and operations and provide environmental awareness training in company inductions.”

Tim de Winton, an area environment manager, 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.”