The drone footage reveals a shocking sight of illegal waste, dumped in a field near the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire. The video shows a massive pile of rubbish, stretching 60m long, 15m wide, and 10m high, weighing hundreds of tonnes. Calum Miller, a Liberal Democrat MP, expressed concern about the scale of the waste and questioned the Environmental Agency’s capacity to address it. The estimated cost of removing the waste exceeds the entire annual budget of the local council, which is approximately £25m.
The waste poses significant environmental risks due to its proximity to a floodplain. Mr. Miller highlighted three main concerns: the potential for waste to enter waterways, toxins seeping into the water through rain, and the risk of decomposing chemicals causing fires. He also suggested that organized criminal groups might be behind the dumping, leading to a broader issue of illegal waste disposal across the country.
Laura Reineke, CEO of Friends of the Thames, described the dumping site as the largest ecological disaster on an inland waterway in the country. She criticized the Environment Agency for its delayed response and labeled the situation as «ecocide on an epic scale.» The waste, prepared with large earth-moving vehicles and neatly stacked, indicates a well-organized operation.
Despite efforts, the culprits have not been apprehended. Ms. Reineke expressed frustration at the agency’s inaction since September 10th, calling it a «story of total incompetence.» She emphasized the potential harm to freshwater species and public health due to unknown chemicals in the waste that should have been tested.
The Environment Agency has obtained a court order to restrict public access to the site for at least six months. Specialized officers are investigating the waste dumped near the A34, with a focus on identifying those responsible and taking appropriate action. The agency encourages anyone with information to contact their 24-hour incident hotline.
In related news, Sky News previously reported on the escalating issue of waste crime, including an illegal dump in Wigan. The Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee warned of organized crime gangs dumping millions of tonnes of waste illegally each year, citing incompetence at the Environment Agency as a contributing factor. In response, the agency’s chief executive defended his staff against accusations of incompetence.
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