A Welland company has been ordered to pay $200 000 in fines over odours coming from a composting facility.

Universal Resource Recovery Inc shut down in May 2011.

The charges stem from odours that caused adverse effects and exceeding daily limits on the amount of materials allowed at its composting facility.

Environment Minister and St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley says environmental protection legislation protects communities and the environment.  Breaking the rules can result in serious penalties and is an offence the ministry takes very seriously.

The company composted organic food waste generated from municipal green bins.

Ministry inspections showed the company was going over the allowed limits of food waste, leaf, yard and wet waste at the site.

Universal Resource Recovery Inc has ha year to pay the fine of $200 000 plus $50 000 in victim fine surcharges.