Augean makes good progress following "difficult" start to year

The Wetherby-based company said extreme weather conditions "significantly hampered" its ability to move waste at the beginning of the year but overall trading in the first half of the year has been in line with management's expectations, with net debt approximately 5m, compared to 6m at the second half of the year in 2009.

During the first six months of the year, hazardous waste volumes into the Landfill sites were 95,053 tonnes reflecting an upturn following a weak January and February, with sales in the landfill division remaining predominantly linked to activity in the construction and land remediation markets.

Augean said ahead of the removal of tax exemptions on contaminated land in March 2012 its pipeline is building with a steady increase in projects which it believes will continue as we progress towards the deadline date.

Augean also indicated its determination to win its appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a low level waste site in Northamptonshire which is due to be heard in October.

The company has appointed former FCC UK chief executive Jim Meredith to the board as a non-executive director.

Augean chief executive Paul Blackler said: "After a slow start to 2010, the momentum in the first half has been encouraging. This coupled with our focus on cost discipline has added a level of confidence we can attribute to the future growth prospects of the business as our markets recover.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jim who will bring a wealth of experience to the board both in developing our business and supporting the team drawing on his significant knowledge of our sector."