Major operation to tackle illegal waste site and protect communities
The operation followed months of enforcement action after a significant illegal waste operation emerged at the site. Formal notices were served requiring waste to be removed, waste burning to cease and measures to be put in place to prevent further activity. Following the failure to comply within the required timescales, the Council exercised its legal powers to undertake works in default.
Working alongside partner agencies, including The Environment Agency and Gloucestershire Constabulary and Ubico, the Council oversaw the removal of waste from the site and the installation of measures designed to prevent unauthorised access and deter any future recurrence of illegal waste activity.
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Work had to be suspended after the discovery of a significant amount of asbestos buried within the illegally deposited waste on the site. Teams had removed approximately 75 tonnes of waste and rubbish from the site before the operation was immediately suspended when asbestos-containing materials were identified within the waste.
The Council is now taking further steps to secure the site, with concrete blocks being installed at the entrance to prevent unauthorised access.
Specialist asbestos removal contractors will be contacted to assess the extent of the contamination and determine the safest and most appropriate way forward.
It is estimated that more than 250 tonnes of waste remain on the site.
The Council has stressed that there is no risk to residents living in neighbouring properties. However, officers have strongly criticised the actions of those who disposed of the material.
Asbestos is a hazardous substance which requires careful handling, removal and disposal by appropriately trained and licensed specialists. Avoiding the proper and lawful disposal of asbestos in order to save money is not only irresponsible but has the potential to put people at serious risk.
While there is no risk to nearby residents, if those responsible for depositing the asbestos failed to use specialist contractors to handle and remove it, they may have put themselves and others involved in the activity at risk.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager at Gloucester City Council, said: "Anyone seeking to avoid the cost of disposing of asbestos safely and legally is taking an incredibly reckless approach that has the potential to put themselves and other people at risk. We remain absolutely committed to clearing this site and protecting local residents. Once the concerns about the asbestos have been resolved, we will do everything we can to tackle the remaining issues.”
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Nick Green, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Working with our partners we’ve taken action to shut down this site and secure it while criminal investigations continue.
“The action comes as we ramp up efforts on waste crime as part of our 10 Point Plan, which includes expanding the use of restriction notices and orders to prevent illegal dumping.
“Communities are also our partners in this, acting as our eyes and ears. Reporting information to us as soon as possible means we can take swift action to intervene.
“We urge anyone with information about this site to report it to our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector James O’Neill, from the Gloucester Neighbourhood policing team, said: "Today’s activity involved securing the site, serving enforcement notices against those responsible and the clearance of the waste.
"As a result of the operation, a piece of heavy plant machinery used by those operating the illegal waste site was seized. As well as this, two vehicles laden with waste and bound for the site were stopped and dealt with by Police and Environment Agency staff. One driver was reported for summons for prosecution for various offences, whilst the other vehicle was seized to be crushed.
"We hope that today's efforts show the local community how seriously we are taking this issue as we will be working with partner agency colleagues to conduct further enforcement action."
Warning to householders
As part of its wider campaign against environmental crime, Gloucester City Council is also reminding residents that everyone has a legal duty of care when disposing of household waste.
Householders should always use reputable and properly licensed waste carriers when arranging for rubbish, garden waste, furniture or building materials to be removed from their property.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Check that anyone collecting waste is registered as a licensed waste carrier.
- Ask for a waste transfer note or receipt.
- Be wary of offers that seem unusually cheap.
- Keep records of who removed their waste.
Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly can result in enforcement action if that waste is later found to have been fly-tipped.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager, at Gloucester City Council said:
"Environmental crime often starts with waste being handed to individuals who have no intention of disposing of it legally. Choosing a reputable, licensed waste carrier is one of the simplest ways residents can help protect their neighbourhoods and the environment.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Today's operation forms part of Gloucester City Council's ongoing work with partner agencies to tackle environmental crime, protect public spaces and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.