Man arrested in connection with dumping of 30,000 tonnes of waste near Shawell
A man has been arrested in connection with the dumping of 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste at Cave’s Inn Pits, a site of Special Scientific Interest near Shawell.
The 24-year-old man from Leeds, who has not been named, was one of four people also arrested in connection with large-scale, illegal waste dumping at the Bolton House Road site in Wigan, according to the Environment Agency.
The agency launched an investigation in April after 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste, which was covered by soil, was found at the pits, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which contains some of Leicestershire’s best remaining areas of neutral marsh.
The public were asked to stay away from the site following the incident as it was polluted, and the Environment Agency continues to assess the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, while it also continues to monitor air and water quality in the area.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: “The appalling dumping of waste at Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.
“Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and this arrest marks an important step in delivering justice for residents in Shawell.
“This Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.
“I want to be clear to waste criminals - we are coming for you.”
Information about incidents of illegal waste dumping can be reported through the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.