Shell UK to be prosecuted for environmental legislation offence

Shell UK is to be prosecuted for breaching environmental legislation after there was an explosion at one of its sites.

In February 2008, there was a fire at the Bacton Gas Terminal in Norfolk, which is likely to have caused a reduction in air quality in the area.

The Environment Agency has told the group that it is going ahead with the charges for five breaches of two separate types of environmental legislation.

Nearby resident Jean Smith said at the time of the incident that the explosion caused a large bang.

She stated: "The place shook and we looked out to see a ball of black smoke above the plant. Then all the alarms went off up there."

The Environment Agency is being joined by the Health and Safety Executive, which is prosecuting Shell UK for two security offences.

Norwich City Magistrates' Court expects to hear the case on January 20th 2011.

Posted by Claire Manning