Operations at a Hartlepool landfill site have been officially suspended after concerns from the community.
It means operator SMLF Ltd must not bring any more waste on to the site, but it can process existing material there.
The action follows a recent Environment Agency survey which identified some areas of the site have too much waste deposited on them.
Concerns about the height and resulting dust and smells had been raised with the Environment Agency by Seaton Carew residents and councillors.
Gary Wallace, Environment Agency area environment manager, said: “We understand the community concerns about this site and we’ve taken decisive action to suspend the permit to prevent any more waste from being deposited.
“We are committed to ensuring this landfill is completed appropriately and safely and we will take further action if necessary to ensure this happens.”
The notice was requires the operator to comply with the agreed tipping levels in its environmental permit.
The Environment Agency says checks so far indicate the suspension notice is being observed and it will continue to monitor the site.
It adds residents may still see material being moved around the site as the operator completes work to comply with the notice, but they should not see any further waste being brought on.
The operator has two months to appeal the suspension decision through the Planning Inspectorate, but the requirements of the suspension notice remain in place until any appeal decision.
Residents can report any fresh activity at the site on 0800 807060.
The Mail has contacted SMLF.
