Investigation into spate of fly-tipping across south Essex
Environment Agency Officers are investigating reports of large-scale fly-tipping across Essex.
Lorry-loads of waste have been dumped regularly in some 20 locations across the county over the last few weeks.
Reports received show fly-tipping has taken place off major road networks such as the A13, A130 and A127 in quiet locations such as farm tracks, entrances to sewage pumping stations and telephone exchanges. In particular areas around Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood and Canvey Island have been affected.
It is believed these incidents began in the middle of August but recently, have been happening much more frequently. The waste dumped is around 1 or 2 lorry-loads in size and a mix of construction and demolition rubbish, with some household waste mixed in.
Lesley Robertson, Environment Agency’s Enforcement team leader, said:
We have reason to believe that these incidents may be linked due to the similarity of the waste type and deposit size. We are currently liaising with relevant local authorities, the police and those impacted to gather further evidence.
We urge anyone who discovers any flytipped waste matching this description, or who has any information that may aid our investigation to get in touch on our 24-hour incident number - 0800 80 70 60.
Fly-tipping is a serious offence, which can carry a fine of up to £50,000 in a Magistrates Court or a custodial sentence.