Environment Agency Reveals Success Of Campaign

Figures released by the Environment Agency highlight that efforts must continue to tackle the issue of illegal waste sites across England and Wales, an expert at Irwin Mitchell has suggested.

The organisation has revealed the first results from its ‘priority offenders’ pilot project, which was established in 2010 to combat illegal waste sites and environmental crime in an effort to ensure all operators are abiding by the law.

It has been confirmed that the impact of the initiative has been seen in the north-east, where 16 illegal sites have been closed in the past three months.

David Egan, a Partner and specialist in Environment Agency cases at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “It is welcome to see that efforts are being made to ensure all waste operators are fully regulated and are adhering to the necessary legislation.

“However, this pilot and the volume of illegal sites in the north-east demonstrates that the agency cannot rest on its laurels in addressing the issue and preventing rogue operators from trading.

“Proactivity is key if all businesses are going to be encouraged to store and dispose of waste in the correct manner, leading to greater awareness of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other key regulations.”