The Environment Agency responded to public complaints that the Alderdene burn was foul-smelling and milky in October last year. An investigation found an unsatisfactory effluent discharge from the company's premises.
Durham magistrates heard that the company had been advised that it would not be able to discharge to the burn because its effluent was too polluting. The company pleaded guilty to a charge under section 85(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991 on 16 July.