Environment Agency publishes list of 117 high priority waste sites

The Environment Agency has released a watchlist of 117 high-priority waste sites it says are ‘causing concerns within local communities’.

Published as part of the government’s waste crime action plan, the watchlist covers 117 waste sites in England that the Environment Agency considers high-priority.

The list includes the name of the site, its location, the type of waste there, and how many tonnes of waste are located at the site.

The Environment Agency says it is restricted in the details it publishes to ensure it doesn’t prejudice ongoing enquiries and any associated enforcement action.

However, it committed to sharing more details on individual sites when they become available this summer.

Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at the CIWM, said ‘greater focus and transparency’ was positive and welcomed the list of high priority sites.

“Those involved in illegal waste activity should know that they are in the spotlight and that there are consequences to their actions that damage communities, environments and local economies,” Cooke said.

“The responsible resources and waste sector (both local authorities and private sector service providers) encourage and expect effective regulatory action to be taken against those involved at these sites where waste crime is proven.”

The largest site on the watchlist contains 281,000 tonnes of contaminated soil and is located in Northwich, Cheshire.

There were three other sites on the watchlist where over 100,000 tonnes of waste were deposited. These included:

Other notable sites on the watchlist include the illegal waste dumps next to the River Cherwell in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, and the site on Bolton House Road, which is owned in part by King Charles.