A Hawke's Bay company has been fined $11,900 for illegally burning prohibited items.
Hastings Demolition lit a fire containing toxic items including plastic pipe, bottles, clearlite and strapping, as well as particle board, painted wood, treated timber, insulation, a mattress and polystyrene in 2019.
In Hasting District Court, the company pleaded guilty to discharging a contaminant into the air on Beach Rd, Tangoio, on October 9, 2019, and was sentenced and fined by Judge Melinda Dickey.
HBRC chairman Rex Graham said it's pleasing to see pollution being taken seriously.
"I hope this fine makes other people stop and think before they carry out any illegal burning," he said.
Earlier this year, another company was fined $12,555 for an illegal fire in Frimley, Hastings.
Pollution response and enforcement team leader Mike Alebardi said HBRC is committed to enforcing the rules that protect the health of the environment and community.
"This kind non-compliance is unacceptable, and we've shown the regional council will pursue these activities through the court if necessary," he said.
"It's one of the strongest signals we can send to discourage others not to burn prohibited items."
Anybody with information regarding unauthorised discharges to land, air or water is asked to contact HBRC's 24/7 Pollution Hotline.