Joint operation proves
a success
A joint operation between the Environment
Agency, Allerdale Borough Council and Cumbria
Police, is proving a success in deterring
illegal waste operators
across Cumbria.
The partnership joined
forces in September in a targeted effort
to crack down on illegal waste operators
in Cumbria, and have carried out another
two days of action this November, where
it was found that the number of waste carriers
found to be carrying a licence had risen.
During the two days over 80 vehicles were
stopped and 20 drivers were given information
packs explaining when and why an environmental
permit may be required. During action in
September, only two vehicles were found
to be carrying their Certificate of Registration,
whereas this has increased to seven during
the operation this November.
Vehicles carrying controlled
waste for profit must register with the
Environment Agency. The Certificate of Registration
costs £152 and lasts for three years.
Operators do not have to carry their Certificate,
but it is best practice to do so.
Illegal operators could be responsible for
causing damage to the environment including
fly tipping, contaminating land and causing
pollution in water courses. By not complying
with environmental regulations, they are
also benefiting from an unfair commercial
advantage compared to those companies who
take their responsibilities seriously.
Under environmental
legislation anyone who is responsible for
removing, carrying, storing or disposing
of waste as part of their business must
be registered with the Environment Agency.
This ensures that any waste is disposed
of responsibly and correctly, so that it
does not have a negative impact on the environment.
Anyone found to be carrying
controlled waste without being a registered
waste carrier faces further investigation.
On conviction in the magistrates’ court,
this offence carries a fine of up to £5,000.
Helen Love, Environment
Officer at the Environment Agency said,
"It is great news that more vehicles
are carrying their Certificates of Registration
and it shows our action is proving a success
in raising awareness and understanding of
the laws around the disposal and carrying
of waste, and deterring illegal waste operators
in Cumbria.
“The Environment Agency
will continue to work with Allerdale Borough
Council and Cumbria Police to crack down
on illegal waster operators and further
action is planned over the coming months.”
Ernie Davidson, Allerdale
Borough Council’s Environmental Services
manager, said: “We are pleased that these
stops have been so successful. They remind
people of their legal duty of care for the
commercial waste they produce and that they
should have the correct licence. Without
a waste transfer notice, businesses could
be fly-tipping waste or using unlicensed
disposal sites, which are a nuisance or
a health-risk to residents, and which the
Council has to clean up at council tax-payers’
expense.”
Detective Chief Inspector
Mike Forrester said: “We’re pleased to work
once again with the Environment Agency and
that the message is getting through and
waste carriers are taking heed of our warnings.
“We launched a specific operation within
the Constabulary last year in response to
the number of reports we were receiving
about the theft of metals including radiators
and piping in South Cumbria.
“I’m happy to say that
there has been a massive uptake in the number
of applications that the Environment Agency
receives for waste carrier licences since
this operation began. This, along with the
commitment of those involved and the amount
of awareness we’ve generated amongst the
local community, has significantly reduced
the reports of metal theft we receive.”
The Environment Agency
calls on anyone who suspects they have witness
a waste crime to call our incident line
on 0800 80 70 60.
Ends
For media enquiries please contact the press
office on
01925 542621 or 01925 542201
Out of hours please call 07776497255 and
ask for the duty press officer
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Note to Editors
1. Photos available on request
2. For more information on how to register
as waste carrier please visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/wastecarriers.aspx
Environment Agency downgrades
three severe flood warnings
The Environment Agency
has downgraded three of the four severe
flood warnings which it had in place in
Cumbria.
The severe flood warnings
that have been removed are:
The River Greta at Keswick,
Crosthwaite and Limepots Road, High Hill
and Church Lane Areas
River Cocker at Southwaite Bridge
River Cocker at Cockermouth
Flood warnings will still be in place at
these locations.
The severe flood warning
for the River Eamont at Eamont Bridge, Kemplay
Foot, Skirsgill Lane and Southwaite Green
Mill is still in place. The Environment
Agency is in contact with the local community
in this area.
Urging people to remain
vigilant
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Our
officers from around the country have been
working around the clock to minimise flood
damage. We are now assessing the damage
and checking flood defences, and will be
working with emergency services and local
authorities to get people back into their
homes as quickly as possible.
“While conditions in
Cumbria are improving, more heavy rain is
forecast and one severe flood warning remains
in place. We are urging people to remain
vigilant and be prepared to take action
if necessary. Anyone concerned about flooding
should continue to check our website for
more information or call our Floodline on
0845 988 1188.”
Despite the severe warnings
being downgraded, Police are urging people
to take care over the coming days and weeks.
Super Intendent Steve Johnson said “The
flooding and severe weather has weakened
structures and damaged roads and bridges
across the area. These structures are being
checked, but in the meantime people should
not take unnecessary risks. Under no circumstances
use closed bridges and drive carefully as
there is still standing water and damage
to road surfaces.”
Full details of the
flood warnings in place across England and
Wales can be found one our flood pages or
by calling Floodline on 0845 9881188.
ENDS
For media enquiries
please contact the press office on 01925
542621 or 01925 542201
Out of hours please call 07776497255 and
ask for the duty press officer
Note to Editors
A severe flood warning indicates that severe
flooding is expected. There is extreme danger
to life and property. Act now!
A flood warning indicates
that flooding of homes and businesses is
expected. Act now!
A flood watch indicates
that flooding of low lying land and roads
is expected. Be aware, be prepared, watch
out.
