Man Arrested for Illegal Waste Dumps in Durham

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Sunderland in connection with illegal waste dumping at multiple sites in North East England. The arrest, made on October 1, was part of a joint operation between Northumbria Police and the Environment Agency.

The man is being questioned about illegal waste activities at the former Dewhirst site in Peterlee and Hart Quarry in Hartlepool, County Durham. Additionally, the investigation includes a third site near Newcastle Airport at Callerton. Together, these sites have accumulated thousands of tonnes of waste, according to the Environment Agency.

Investigation and Enforcement

The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Northumbria Police, has been actively investigating these illegal waste sites. All three locations were reported to the agency over the summer, prompting swift action to shut them down. Concrete blocks have been placed at the sites to prevent further access, and investigating officers have conducted searches to gather evidence.

Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, emphasized the significance of the arrest, stating, "This arrest is an important step as our investigation into illegal dumping in the North East continues." He highlighted the agency's commitment to tracing those suspected of involvement in waste crime.

The Environment Agency has been implementing a 10-point plan to combat waste crime, which includes increasing the number of officers on the front line and imposing steeper fines and tougher sanctions for serious offenses. This initiative is part of the government's broader Waste Crime Action Plan aimed at addressing illegal activities before they become established.

Government Response

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle expressed the government's determination to tackle waste crime, stating, "We said the years of organised criminal gangs getting away with dumping waste were over, and today’s arrest shows we are delivering on that promise." She emphasized the importance of restoring pride in communities affected by illegal waste sites.

Illegally dumped waste poses significant risks to communities and the environment, undermining legitimate waste disposal businesses and imposing costs on landowners. The UK government estimates that waste crime costs the country over £1 billion annually.

The Environment Agency is urging the public to report any information about waste crime or suspicious activities, such as unusual heavy goods vehicle movements onto disused or open land. The agency remains committed to bringing those responsible for waste crime to justice.