Illegal Waste Sites Uncovered by Environment Agency and HMRC

The Environment Agency and HMRC has identified twenty-seven waste sites potentially operating illegally in the UK following visits to many sites in Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire.

Fergus Harrington of Kangs Solicitors comments upon this activity.

The Site Visits

Enforcement officers unearthed numerous sites where:

• waste had been burnt
  illegally, 
• there was illegal treatment and
  transportation of waste,  
• construction and demolition
  waste, house hold waste and motor vehicle parts were discovered,
• over flowing skips were discovered, 
• in excess of 5,000 tonnes of
  waste were stored illegally across the different sites.

Anticipated Enforcement Action

• Evidence was gathered from
  the sites and photographs were taken.
• The sites that are suspected
  to be operating illegally will be written to and guidance will be offered by
  the Environment Agency outlining the steps that should be taken in order for
  them to become compliant.
• Follow up visits will be
  initiated to ensure that action has been taken to rectify matters.
• It is understood that action
  involving the local authorities and the police will ensue in respect of the
  sites suspected of committing the most serious breaches.

How Can We Help?

The Regulatory team at Kangs Solicitors advises individuals, business owners and companies in relation to regulatory investigations and prosecutions brought by the Environment Agency and Local Authorities.

Kangs Environmental Defence Solicitors frequently assists clients in defending the following allegations:

• Waste management/
  transportation
• Water pollution
• Land contamination
• Unlawful disposal of
  hazardous waste
• Fly tipping
• Breaches of environmental
  permits, exemptions, registrations and licences

Our team has acted in numerous high-profile Environment Agency investigations and our experience shows that it is imperative to meet with the investigating body at an early stage to discuss the complaints being made and the extent of any mitigating steps that can be taken.  

Anyone approached by an enforcement agency, should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Who Do I Need To Contact For Assistance?

If you require expert advice on all matters relating to environmental offences, then please do not hesitate to contact any of the following:

Hamraj Kang
hkang@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07976 258171 | 0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396

John Veale
jveale@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396