The Environment Agency has launched investigation into the illegal dumping of thousand tonnes of mixed household and commercial waste in Bradford.
The regulator received reports of illegal dumping on the land last week and when officers attended they found several thousand tonnes of waste at the site.
The Environment Agency says its officers are working to trace the landowner to ensure the site is properly secured and following up several lines of enquiry to track down those responsible.
It is also working with partners at Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The Environment Agency is appealing for information from the public that may help the investigation.
Environment Agency operation convicts four Devon waste criminals
The Environment Agency has also concluded an investigation into an illegal waste site in Devon waste after four people were convicted.
The landowner and three waste carriers have been convicted for waste dumping, with the latest defendant told to pay over £11,000.
Waste carrier Stephen White, 66, was the latest to be fined for his role in depositing waste on land at the site near Kingsteignton.
Between June 2019 and October 2021, White deposited an estimated 450-588 tonnes of wase, including mixed construction and demolition waste, on the land. The Environment Agency estimated it would cost at least £2.5 million to remediate the site.
He was ordered to pay £11,741, including a fine of £1,292, as well as £7,650 in financial benefit, the Environment Agency’s costs, and a victim surcharge.
In 2024, the landowner Christopher Garrett was jailed for 32 months for dumping waste on the floodplain. The two other waste carriers, DTM Grab Hire and David Gorton, were fined earlier this year.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “This has been a complex operation with multiple defendants, but we are pleased to have now concluded with four successful prosecutions.”
“This action shows that waste criminals will not get away with dumping, and we will take enforcement action against anyone who transports, disposes or stores waste illegally.”