Fish processor fined £70k for F-gas breach

UK: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has revealed that it has fined a Scottish salmon processor £70,000 for operating without leakage detection systems as required by the F-gas regulations. 

Two civil penalties of £35,000 were issued back in January by SEPA against Scottish Sea Farms Ltd at its facility in Lerwick.

During a routine compliance inspection, SEPA officers were said to have discovered that two ice plants  on the site, each containing F-gas above the regulatory threshold, did not have a working leakage detection system installed. 

Refrigeration equipment containing 500 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent or more of fluorinated greenhouse gases must be fitted with leakage detection systems that alert operators or a service company to any leakage. 

SEPA determined that Scottish Sea Farms Ltd had failed to meet its obligations and were therefore liable to pay two civil penalties totalling £70,000, in accordance with the F-gas regulations.

Scottish Sea Farms said that the issue arose from an oversight following the acquisition of the site, including an incorrect assumption that the necessary systems were already in place. It also blamed a reliance on contracted specialists.

The company also pointed out that no leaks had occurred and there was no actual environmental harm.

Commenting on the case, Rodney Allan, F-gas specialist in SEPA’s carbon reduction team, said: “Businesses that use large refrigeration systems must make sure these safety measures are in place and working properly. If operators do not meet their legal duties, SEPA will take enforcement action to protect Scotland’s environment.” 

Scottish Sea Farms has since taken steps to address the issues identified and bring the equipment into compliance.