Agency appeals for information

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Environment Agency staff yesterday (Sunday 15 February) removed polluting fly-tipped waste from a stream at Lindfield, West Sussex. The Agency’s Environment Management Standby Officer was called by a member of the public to East Mascalls Bridge at midday and found fly-tipped garage waste in the watercourse.

The illegally dumped waste included car bumpers, wheels and tyres and two drums of used sump oil. Several large gas canisters and old empty oil drums were also recovered.

 

The Environment Agency is now appealing for any information as to who was responsible for tipping the waste.

 

Environment Management Team Leader John Gower said “Two drums that had been deliberately thrown into the river contained old sump oil and were leaking. This type of criminal act can cause untold damage to the environment and we are grateful that somebody reported it to us so that the drums could be removed.

 

“Old car parts had also been thrown into the water, including a full rear bumper. This could easily have blocked the stream and caused local flooding.”

 

People who manage waste are legally obliged to ensure that it is disposed of properly. Producers of waste are also legally obliged to make sure that those who manage waste on their behalf dispose of it in a safe and proper way. This is called the Duty of Care and the Environment Agency can help businesses producing waste comply with this duty.

 

If members of the public have any information regarding the Lindfield fly-tipping incident, please call John Gower, who is leading the investigation, on 01323 762691. Alternatively, please contact the Environment Agency’s Emergency Hotline on 0800 807060.

 

That's a disgrace!!!!!