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A prominent Preston businessman and his firm have been fined for unlawful disposal of waste.
Peter Marquis and PDM Industries Ltd pleaded guilty to environmental offences.
The Environment Agency investigated the use of two sites in Preston – at Stanley Lodge Farm in Salwick Road and also at Wards House Farm in Lea Lane.
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They found PDM Industries Ltd – of which Marquis is listed as the sole director – was disposing of controlled waste, specifically tyres, at Stanley Lodge Farm without obtaining the required environmental permits.
They say when the firm was instructed to transfer the waste to a legally permitted facility then Marquis and his firm opted to illegally bury the waste tyres – a violation of environmental regulations.
The Environment Agency also say Marquis and his firm operated a facility handling asbestos without an environmental permit between December 2016 and February 2023.
Both Marquis and PDM Industries pleaded guilty to their offences and were sentenced at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 September.
District Judge Goodwin said while Marquis and PDM co-operated with the investigation by the Environment Agency both environmental offences were committed with deliberate intent.
Environmental crime leader Shannon Nicholson said: “The sentencing demonstrates the importance of following proper procedures, especially when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, which pose serious risks.
“This case highlights our commitment to holding those who violate environmental regulations accountable. Strict enforcement is essential to prevent harm to the environment.”
What’s the punishment?
PDM Industries Ltd has been given a £12,000 fine for the tyre offences, a £38,000 fine for the asbestos offence and ordered to pay £10,046.45 to cover the Environment Agency’s prosection costs and a £2,000 statutory surcharge.
Peter Marquis was handed a 42-week prison sentence for both offences which has been suspended for 18 months. He will also need to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work and pay a £154 statutory surcharge.
Blog Preston has contacted Peter Marquis for comment on the sentence.
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