A business has been charged with three alleged offences after a towering blaze at a landfill site nearly three years.

Plumes of smoke dominated the Hartlepool skyline and could be seen as far away as Stockton after fire erupted at Seaton Meadows landfill site on January 23, 2024, at around 8am.

Nearby residents and businesses were warned to minimise the time they spend outdoors and the Environment Agency also launched an investigation.

Seaton Meadows Landfill (SMLF), of Tees Bay Business Park, in Brenda Road, Hartlepool, is now charged with three alleged environmental offences.

Plumes of smoke over Seaton Carew in January 2024 following a landfill blaze at Seaton Meadows.

placeholder image — Plumes of smoke over Seaton Carew in January 2024 following a landfill blaze at Seaton Meadows.

They include disposing of controlled waste “in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health” between January 22-27, 2024.

Ian Greaves, 61, whose address was listed as the business’s address, faces a similar charge as well as a second allegation that he contravened an environmental permit condition.

The case was adjourned until Friday, November 13, at the request of the prosecution.