Taskforce Launched To Tackle Illegal Sites

An environmental lawyer at Irwin Mitchell has revealed his backing for a new Environment Agency campaign to reduce the number of illegal waste sites in operation across the UK.

The organisation has confirmed that the £5 million environmental crime taskforce will consist of almost 100 staff and see them work to crack down on up to 600 waste sites which are not currently meeting legal standards across England and Wales.

According to the body, many illegal sites operate in areas which see them have a major adverse impact on the environment, including close to schools, homes and other unsuitable locations.

David Egan, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, specialises in environmental business compliance and provides advice on such issues to companies across a range of industries.

Welcoming the new taskforce, he said: “Environmental pollution very often undermines the quality of life of ordinary hard working people and spoils areas of natural beauty for future generations of their children and grandchildren.

“It is excellent to see that the EA is seeking to make more use of the extensive legislation and statutory powers that are already in force in relation to this area, while directors and senior managers of businesses need to be aware that offences often carry large financial penalties and imprisonment.

“This should also be a warning to firms failing to consider their environmental compliance that they need to look at the issue as soon as possible and seek advice on any areas they may need further clarification on.”