The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into a ‘sickening’ 30,000 illegal waste dump on a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Leicestershire.
The investigation was launched after public reports of odours coming from the site at Cave’s Inn Pits.
Officers from the Environment Agency and Natural England visited the area and found approximately 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers buried beneath soil in an attempt to conceal the site.
Alongside the criminal investigation, the Environment Agency says it is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust.
Commenting on the investigation, Ian Jones, Area Director, West Midlands at the Environment Agency, said: “This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust.”
“We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.”
“We ask the public to stay away from the area, which is on private land, while we investigate. Anyone with information about this incident should please call our 24-hour hotline.”
Phil Hukin, Principal Manager, Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England, said the site contained some of the ‘best remaining areas of neutral marsh’ in Leicestershire.
“It is heartbreaking to see one of England’s precious sites of special scientific interest damaged like this,” Hukin said.
