The Environment Agency has reminded residents in Essex to be vigilant when disposing of waste, after carrying out a “socially distanced” investigation into a suspected illegal waste site in Essex.
As part of “Operation Nutmeg”, the visit took place on 30 June along with officers from Essex Police, council and fire service.
The Agency said it is still tackling waste crime during the coronavirus pandemic
The Agency said its aim was to work with enforcement partners to gather intelligence and evidence to disrupt “those believed to be involved in illegal waste activities”.
According to a statement from the Environment Agency, the visit shows it is continuing to tackle waste crime during the coronavirus pandemic. The EA added that social distancing was adhered to throughout.
Environment Agency enforcement team leader Lesley Robertson said: “Waste crime undermines legitimate business, can cause harm to the environment and misery for local people.
“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to work with our enforcement partners to disrupt illegal waste activities and remain committed to the closure of illegal waste sites, whilst always adhering to social distancing measures.”
‘Serious incidents’
The Agency reiterated that illegal waste sites can cause “serious pollution incidents, bad smells, chemical spills, blight on the landscape, and misery for surrounding communities”.
“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to work with our enforcement partners to disrupt illegal waste activities”
It added that sites that store or treat hazardous waste and chemicals without safeguards are breaking the law and risk causing serious pollution incidents that damage rivers, habitats and pose a risk to human health.
Environment Agency enforcement team leader, Lesley Robertson, added: “Waste crime undermines legitimate business, can cause harm to the environment and misery for local people. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to work with our enforcement partners to disrupt illegal waste activities and remain committed to the closure of illegal waste sites, whilst always adhering to social distancing measures.”
The statement came with a warning to residents to “make sure they understand their duty of care and to always check for a waste carrier license when someone is disposing of things on their behalf”.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Waste Managment
