THE co-director of a company accused of releasing clouds of harmful dust over homes in Avonmouth has appeared in court.
Edward Jones, co-director of wood processing company EGNI Ltd, denied charges of contravening an environmental permit and causing pollution or harm to human health at Bristol Magistrates' Court yesterday.
The charges relate to an incident which took place on September 2 last year when residents nearby complained of a cloud "snowing" dust down on their properties.
The court heard that it was not the first time that the problem had occurred in the neighbourhood adjacent to the Avonmouth business park near the port entrance.
Witnesses told the court that since the company moved in to the area, residents had faced numerous problems with dust, which some believe could affect their health.
Prosecuting on behalf of the Environment Agency, Judith Constable read out five witness statements from residents who complained about the dust on the morning of September 2.
Claire Hayes of King Street , Avonmouth, said: "It was like it was snowing that day. The air was foggy with dust."
Sarah Lee, also of King Street, said that it was so thick on her car that when the windscreen wiper fluid was used it turned it into a thick "mush".
She said: "I was concerned about the health of my children," adding that she was worried the dust was contributing to her three-year-old's eczema and breathing problems.
Arnold Miller, the city council officer responsible for pollution monitoring at Avonmouth docks, said that when he responded to residents' complaints he found EGNI to be the source of the dust.
He told the court: "I could see that dust was being produced and I judged that the wind strength and direction made it unsuitable for production. It was a statutory nuisance."
Richard Kimblin, defending Jones, questioned EGNI's neighbouring producer and competitor, Boomeco, as a possible source of the dust.
Christopher Nicholls, production manager for Boomeco, said that he switched off his machinery as soon as he heard the complaints from residents as he was worried about a history of disturbances.
He said: "Since the arrival of EGNI we had continual issues."
Concerning the dust cloud on the day in question he added: "I am absolutely positive that it had nothing to do with us."
The case continues.
No comments:
Post a Comment