Enforcement officers target illegal waste site in Crowland
A Cambridgeshire illegal waste site the size of a football pitch has been swooped on by the Environment Agency as part of work to shut it down for good.
Make sure you report waste crime to 0800 80 70 60.
Enforcement officers are urging waste carriers and traders not to drop off any rubbish at The Streddars site on Hundreds Road in Crowland.
During its inspection of the site on 23 July 2020, the Environment Agency discovered piles of illegally dumped waste, including construction and demolition materials, metals, plastics and garden waste.
The visit was aimed at gathering evidence and disrupting those believed to be involved in illegal waste activities.
The site is under criminal investigation for suspicion of operating without the legally required waste exemptions or environmental permits.
Yvonne Daly, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“It’s clear that this site has been used by rogue traders to illegally deposit waste. Activities like this have the potential to harm the environment, blight communities and undermine legitimate businesses that do follow the rules.
“Our role is to protect the environment for people and wildlife, so we won’t hesitate to take action against those who put it at risk. And to businesses flouting the rules our message is clear: you won’t get away with it.”
Environment Agency officers are reminding everyone they have a legal duty to ensure they are giving their waste only to registered carriers and that it is taken only to authorised sites for treatment or disposal.
People can check if a waste business is genuine by contacting the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506, 03702 422 529 (minicom) or [email protected] (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm); people can also check online at www.gov.uk/ea.
The Environment Agency is cracking down on serious and organised waste crime and taking tough action to deal with criminal behaviour. It is working with the police and other enforcement agencies to put waste criminals out of business and take back the profits of their crimes.
If you suspect criminal waste activity, report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.