The Environment Agency has confirmed that two people have been arrested following a raid on an “illegal waste site” in Long Bennington, Lincolnshire yesterday (30 April).
Stockpiling and illegal burning was taking place on-site, the EA said
The Agency said in a statement that its officers and Lincolnshire police arrived on site to find waste being illegally stockpiled and burned.
According to the statement, lorry-loads of waste, including plasters, commercial waste and household furniture were being brought to the site.
Area director for the Environment Agency, Norman Robinson said: “It’s our job to protect people and nature even in these uncertain times, which is why our regulatory and enforcement work continues while we adhere to the governments guidelines around coronavirus.
“Deliberately stockpiling and burning waste that should be safely disposed of is dangerous enough, but doing so in the current situation while people and legitimate businesses are so restricted shows a shocking disregard for our communities, society and environment.
“This should serve as a warning to those who would flout not just the law, but the lockdown – we and our partners are still fighting to put a stop to waste crime and we won’t hesitate to take action.”
Smoke
The EA said the site was producing smoke from large burning waste piles, which was having an impact on local residents and putting the environment at risk.
The site had been subject to ongoing investigations for illegal waste activity, with officers last visiting the site at the end of January to carry out a full regulatory inspection and have now “issued legal notices and halted all activity on the site”.
Chief inspector Phil Vickers of Lincolnshire police said: “Responsible waste management is everyone’s responsibility – we work with the EA, county council and all of the district councils across Lincolnshire to protect our countryside and to keep rural communities safe, we are grateful for the support from Long Benningston residents in ensuring the waste is removed.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
