Firm fined over high acid level in sewers
A Wolverhampton firm was today told to pay thousands of pounds after it let waste containing high levels of metal and acid feed into the sewers.
Liquid waste samples from Architectural Aluminium Coatings Ltd of Wednesfield, were found to have 310mg of chromium per litre – exactly 62 times the limit of 5mg, Wolverhampton Magistrates Court was told.
The firm, of Steelpark Way, admitted two charges of contravening a condition of consent for discharging trade effluent.
Mr Andrew Lee, prosecuting for Severn Trent, which launched an investigation in November, said high levels of metal and acid can cause serious environmental problems and can also corrode the sewers.
He said: "This defendant breached the conditions of its trade affluent consent.
"Severn Trent attended the property to take a routine sample of the affluent. It showed extensive amounts of chromium and high levels of acidity. The defendant put it down to a technical malfunction."
The firm, specialising in the pre-treatment and powder coating of aluminium, feeds waste into the sewage works at Minworth, near Sutton Coldfield.
Mr Lee said that because of high levels of metal and acid, waste could not be recycled and sold on as fertiliser to farmers. Instead it went to landfill.
Mr Charles Lorton, defending, said the firm introduced measures as soon as test results came back.
"This is the first time they have appeared before the courts. This company does do its best.
"A lever controls the flow and this seems to have opened. Within 48 hours of the incident, they took steps and fitted a new valve."
The firm, formed in 2006 and employing about 85 workers, was told to pay a £1,400 fine, costs of £3,557 and a £15 victim surcharge.
