A FOOD company has been fined £100,000 over sewage pollution in Gwent.

Billington Food Services Ltd admitted committing offences at its site at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate, Cwmfelinfach, Caerphilly.

The firm was prosecuted following an investigation by Welsh Water after sewer blockages saw effluent seep into the watercourse.

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Billington Food pleaded guilty to three offences under the Water Industry Act.

At Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, the firm, who are based in Water Street, Liverpool, was also ordered to pay £16,208.54 in prosecution costs and a £190 surcharge.

The offences were committed between December 3, 2020 and August 24, 2021.

After the hearing, a Welsh Water spokesperson said: “We brought the case against Billington Food Services Ltd after identifying they had been disposing of waste into the sewer which wasn’t compliant with their trade effluent consent to discharge.

“This led to blockages in the sewer which led to discharges to the nearby watercourse.

“We always try and work with businesses to ensure they remain compliant with their trade effluent licence and only use prosecution as a last resort.

“We welcome the verdict and would take the opportunity to remind businesses of the importance of always remaining compliant with their trade effluent consents to discharge.”