26/08/20005 - Another
investigation is underway as the Environment
Agency continues to battle flytipping in
Kent.
The Environment Agency got a warrant from
the Magistrates Court last week to enter
a farm in Meopham after reports of waste
dumping at the site. In a multi-agency operation,
the Environment Agency, together with North
Kent Police, VOSA, Customs and Excise and
Seeboard then visited the farm.
Whilst at the farm Environment Officers
witnessed the burning of controlled waste
and as a result one man was arrested and
the Environment Agency is now proceeding
with a formal investigation into waste offences.
North Kent Police are also investigating
other offences.
Dave Eden, Environment Officer for the
Environment Agency in Kent, said: "This
is an example of how successful multi agency
operations can be. It’s thanks to a tip-off
that we were able to step into action so
quickly and alert Kent Police to the activities
that had been reported.
“Illegal waste activities are irresponsible
and anti-social and can harm both the environment
and human health so we take any reports
like these extremely seriously."
The Environment Agency is working in partnership
with Kent Police, local authorities, customs
and the vehicle inspectorate to tackle flytipping
in Kent. Possible imprisonment and a fine
of up to £50,000 could lie in store
for anyone caught dumping waste illegally.
The Environment Agency deals with serious
cases of flytipping such as hazardous waste,
large scale flytipping and where there is
evidence of organised criminals being involved.
Incidents such as these should be reported
to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline
on 0800 80 70 60. Smaller scale incidents
such as abandoned vehicles and litter should
be reported to the relevant local authority.
