Risk news

Two men found guilty of burying asbestos from a dismantled garage in woodland have been sentenced, the Environment Agency reported.

Derby magistrates' court heard how the men dragged the asbestos over a garden fence and buried it in a shallow hole, close to a children's play area and houses.

Land owners Amber Valley Housing and the Environment Agency visited the area after the agency was contacted about the incident. They discovered a builders' bag containing broken asbestos and glass.

The previous owner of the garage told environment officers that he had paid £100 for it to be dismantled and disposed of.

Martin Turner, an Environment Agency officer involved in the investigation, said: "Asbestos is so dangerous. Disposing of it like this shows complete disregard for the environment and human health."

Specialist contractors were called in to remove the dangerous fibres. Customers of Aviva Risk Management Solutions can receive a discount off the services of Bureau Veritas Hazardous Materials, which provides a range of asbestos management services.

More information about Bureau Veritas Hazardous Materials can be found here.