A specialist environmental crime taskforce which will blitz illegal waste sites in Wales over the next two years has been set up by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency has identified approximately 600 active illegal waste sites in England and Wales – and it estimates that over 300 of these sites are within 50 metres of schools, homes or sensitive environmental sites.
The new taskforce, which includes former police detectives, will work closely with enforcement partners to gather intelligence and act quickly to close illegal waste sites. The taskforce will be supported by up to £5million of Environment Agency funding for the first two years.
UK Environment Minister Lord Taylor said: “These illegal waste sites do untold damage to the environment and cause misery for local people that have to live with toxic fumes, noise at all hours and unbearable smells.
“We are cracking down on those sites that blight our communities and will work with the police and other partners to bring the criminals behind them to justice.”
The Welsh Minster for Environment and Sustainable Development, John Griffiths, said: “Environment Agency Wales has been at the forefront of tackling waste crime and I welcome the creation of this taskforce.
“Responsible waste management needs to be carried out without endangering human health and the environment. Many environmental offences have a negative impact on communities and legitimate businesses and we must ensure that illegal waste operators do not profit and the worst offenders are prosecuted.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: “Waste crime is a serious offence that poses a risk to human health and can damage the environment. The Environment Agency is working with all enforcement agencies to stamp it out. If you’re involved in illegal waste activities, you should be looking over your shoulder and expecting a visit from our enforcement officers.
“The Environment Agency relies on members of the public and legitimate businesses to help us identify the culprits. They can call us or Crimestoppers with information. And we’ll press for the strongest possible penalties – including prison – for those convicted of these crimes against communities.”
Anyone with information about suspected illegal waste operators should call the Environment Agency’s incident helpline on 0800 807060 or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.