Firm to pay £2,800 for threat to sewer

A Black Country firm has been ordered to pay more than £2,800 after being caught releasing more than 30 times the legal limit of a potentially dangerous substance into the sewers, a court heard.

Alloy Polishing and Plating Company Ltd, based in Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate, Willenhall, admitted the offence at Walsall Magistrates Court. Bosses said the fine would be a "severe blow" to the firm, which employs 13 people and was already losing up to £15,000 a month.

The court heard the legal limit for nickel released into the sewage system was five milligram per litre but that a routine test for Severn Trent Water in July found a content of 163mg.

District Judge Michael Wheeler said results showed readings way over what would normally be identified and, taking into account high levels of discharge, and he would look towards maximum fines available.

However, he said the firm's "excellent" record to date and the fact that individuals' failings were responsible for the offence, rather than general problems within the firm, meant he could reduce the fine.

Firm representatives admitted causing matter other than trade or sewage effluent to enter controlled waters from drain or sewer and were fined £1,000, ordered to pay £1,800 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Miss Jane Sarginson, defending, said a subsequent test of the discharge from the firm found only two milligrams of nickel per litre. "This was a one-off situation," she said.

"The company are in dire financial straits and have lost £92,000 so far this year.

"They are being supported by their parent company. Their staff of 20 has been reduced to 13 and they are on a four-day week.

Speaking after the hearing yesterday, technical commercial waste manager for Severn Trent Water, Ian Wilson, said nickel could have a negative impact on the sewage treatment system and on aquatic life.

"For this company, this was very unusual," he said.