A business has been fined $50,000 for illegally dumping 4000 tyres at a Castlepoint property in 2019.
Some of the stockpiled tyres that saw a company fined $40k. Photo: Supplied
Kevin Anderson and his company Combined Projects Limited appeared at Wellington District Court yesterday on charges laid by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC).
Judge Dwyer fined the company and ordered both parties to pay court costs, however Anderson was convicted and discharged due to his financial position.
If he had been able to pay the sentence, he could have been fined up to $70,000.
Greater Wellington Environmental Protection Team Leader James Snowdon said there were legitimate ways to dispose of tyres.
"Mr Anderson and his company chose to receive these tyres and dispose of them illegally, creating a legacy problem for whoever eventually bought or inherited the land.
"They have been carrying out this activity outside of the law for a number of years, placing their own interests over those of the community and environment. In addition to the eventual contamination of the land these tyres may cause, they also pose a serious fire risk."
While the council also sought an order for the removal of the tyres, this was not granted. Instead, the judge suggested GWRC should seek such an order from the Environment Court.