A Lincolnshire firm has been fined by magistrates for polluting a waterway with vegetable waste. The Environment Agency traced the source to a drain blocked with sliced carrots at HL Foods in Long Sutton.
The company was ordered to pay nearly �9,500 in fines and costs at Spalding Magistrates' Court after admitting breaching water regulations.
The court was told carrot waste caused a growth in sewage fungus in the drain in a loading bay area.
Environmental damage
The waste was discharged into a tributary of the Hundred Drain at Long Sutton.
It caused the water to be more polluted than it would have been with untreated sewage, magistrates were told.
Environment Agency team leader Roger Enstone said after the hearing: "It is important that people realise that any waste as it decomposes can cause serious environmental damage if not adequately contained prior to proper disposal.
"It also highlights the need for companies to have accurate drainage provisions.
"We are always willing to give advice but will also always take formal action if environmental damage follows."
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