Kirkby Times has long called for the polluting Sonae Factory to
be booted out of Kirkby. This website documents the absolute horrors of
Sonae, from the explosions, the workers nearly killed and the constant
daily pollution of the residents of Northwood and many more besides.
Therefore it comes as no surprise to hear it announced today (02 Oct
2003) that Sonae have been fined again for polluting the community,
the environment and those who work there.
20,000 Litres of 'wax emulsion' pollutes Kirkby.
Sonae had somehow allowed 20,000 litres of wax emulsion to
somehow leak out into the local environment - this spillage has only been
reported today as the secretive nature of both Sonae and the Council
which bought them here means that locals know nothing about serious
pollution on their doorsteps almost.
Wood Dust Mountains DID pollute local environment
Kirkby Times has constantly
raised the matter
of the
wood dust
mountains. This website exposed the wood dust mountain fire and took a
series of photos over a period of 3 months which showed the fires burning.
This website clearly stated that the constant stream of water to hose down
the dust would pollute the environment. If Sonae are now banned from hosing
down the thousands of tons of wood dust - it would explain why the
smell of wood dust has been affecting us worse than ever. I would
swear in any court of law that I have smelt this wood dust almost
on a daily basis. This wood dust was just one of the matters Sonae
were fined over - local media reports so far point to 10 separate breeches
of the Health and Safety laws. We will no doubt have details in the Echo (you read it here first though) who will have been to the magistrates hearing - as will Knowsley Council
Sonae fined £37,500 plus £3000 costs. Mere pocket money.
Sonae were fined £37,500 and had to pay costs of £3000. This is a
drop in the ocean for Sonae. The Judge presiding in Knowsley Magistrates
Court told Sonae that they had shown 'a blatant disregard for safety'
- but they were told in
May 2003 in the same Court that they had 'failed
to identify risks' - and prior to that have had two visits to the court this year
as they are slapped on the wrist for making the lives of local people a
misery.(fined
Feb,
May and now Oct 2003) Perhaps Knowsley Magistrate can make it clear to local people
just what their powers are and what is the maximum fine that can be
levelled. We also need to know why there cannot be more serious charges
of corporate negligence bought in and why the manager of the Factory
Tony Hackett, and the directors. are not facing a jail sentence. The
£37,500 fine is an absolute joke.
Further reading ……..
Sources and Factors Affecting Indoor Emissions from Engineered Wood Products:
Summary and Evaluation of Current Literature (usa report on various chemicals
used to treat MDF board etc.)
here [adobe format]
More stuff for the scientifically/techically minded
here
You need adobe reader to view these documents
and many more on the internet - please download the
program and install it - Adobe Reader is a well known program .
Adobe Reader here
Sonae polluting the community everyday
The local people here are sick of the daily pollution caused by Sonae.
Kirkby Times has more very worrying news on this matter (very worrying - thanks to Knowsley Council for the info as well!) and will soon be
drawing attention to the matter of
heavy metals polluting us. Also, coming
soon - Sonae's manager and his previous track record running Novaboard in Wales.
