On 7 March 2008, Esterchem Limited of Basford Lane Industrial Estate in Leek pleaded guilty at Newcastle under Lyme Magistrates Court to one charge relating to polluting the Leek Brook with fatty acids and esters. This is the second time that Esterchem have been fined for polluting the Leek Brook. They were last prosecuted in December 2006.
The charge was brought by the Environment Agency under the Water Resources Act 1991. Esterchem Limited were fined £9,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £3,257.60.
For the Environment Agency, Counsel Mr Nicholas Cole told the court that Esterchem Limited manufacture chemicals made from acids and alcohols which are then used in perfumes and soaps.
On 29 September 2006, Environment Agency officers were investigating problems with the Leek Brook. They noticed grey fungus on the water bed. Water samples were taken at several locations on the brook and it appeared that a milky white discharge coming from the Eaterchem site was the source of the pollution.
Water samples showed that the water quality had been seriously affected by the discharge. The oxygen levels in the brook were very low and three times below the normal levels which could affect the fish population.
A representative of Esterchem was interviewed by Environment Agency officers on 16 April 2007 where they initially denied that there had been pollution from the site.
Speaking after the case Carl Lea, an Environment Agency Officer involved in the investigation said: “This was a serious incident that resulted in Esterchem polluting a local brook and putting the local fish population at risk. We are pleased with the outcome of this case.”
