A BUSINESSMAN has narrowly avoided prison after he caused a waste fire at a chemical site.

The blaze at Melbray Chemicals Ltd on Durham Lane Industrial Estate, Eaglescliffe in March 2015 resulted in a chemical spill and well over £500,000 paid out by insurers to clean up the site.

Brian Hannon, 73, of Cleveland View, Faceby, near Stokesley, was charged with two waste offences when he appeared before Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, November 16.

He admitted both allegations brought by the Environment Agency and was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £5,000 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

The court heard how Hannon was the managing director of Melbray Chemicals Ltd which created and supplied chemicals for use in the oil and gas drilling industry.

Raw material was brought on to the Eaglescliffe site for blending, and surplus stock which included corrosive, flammable and toxic substances, were stored outside.

Craig Hassall, representing the Environment Agency, said there was no concreted surface to prevent chemicals from spilling into the ground, no bunded area to contain a spill or sealed drainage.

The court heard the company’s production manager had no formal training during his 27 years with the firm.

When the two chemical containers set alight, it created a large amount of thick black smoke, which worsened in the wind.

Staff unsuccessfully attempted to control the fire, and the emergency services were called.

It took several hours to put the fire out, Durham Lane had to be closed, several businesses were evacuated and residents were told to stay indoors.

An estimated 1,600 litres of formaldehyde spilled into the ground during the fire and industrial-strength sulphuric and hydrochloric acid leaked from their containers.

Speaking after the court case, Environment Agency officer Iain Barker-Jones said: “Hannon ignored environmental law because he wanted to cut corners and save himself the cost of running his business legally.”