A company in Comber has been hit with a £2,000 fine for two breaches of discharge consent to sewers.

Food manufacturer Mash Direct pleaded guilty to the charges yesterday, 13 February, after what NI Water described as an "extremely long and frustrating case".

Explaining more about the charges, Angela Halpenny, Head of Environmental Regulation at NI Water said: "This illegal activity by Mash Direct shows a complete disrespect for the sewer network we all share. This has been an extremely long and frustrating case. Despite engagement with Mash Direct over a long period of time, the breach of discharge consent was not resolved, which has led to today's proceedings being taken by NI Water. 

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"NI Water takes any interference in the performance of its sewer network very seriously and as today shows, if necessary, we will prosecute anyone who does. The irresponsible actions of this company towards our assets and those residents living around the area is not a victimless crime and have been reflected in today's judgment and fine.  

"As guardians of Northern Ireland's wastewater network, our priority has and always will be to protect and enhance the natural environment by taking away wastewater, treating it and safely recycling it back into the natural environment, without causing nuisance. If this is threatened in any way, we will step in to resolve it."

Mash Direct received a fine of £1,000 for both charges and were ordered to pay £900 legal costs.  

NI Water has appealed for anyone with knowledge of illegal discharges to the sewerage network to report this to Waterline on 03457 440088 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(CM/JG)