MP Demands Answers as Essex Illegal Dump Stays Open for Over a Year
Local MP Alex Burghart has declared that the Environment Agency faces "very serious questions to answer" regarding Britain's latest large-scale illegal dump, which remains operational more than 12 months after investigations began. The Conservative politician, representing Brentwood and Ongar where the 300m-long site is located, described the dump as "absolutely disgusting" and highlighted a "breakdown in process" that allowed it to accumulate.
Disgraceful Conditions and Taxpayer Burden
Mr. Burghart, who serves as a shadow minister, expressed outrage at the situation, stating, "It's completely disgraceful that this site should ever have been allowed to get into this condition." He emphasized that the ongoing accumulation of waste is baffling, given the prolonged investigation. The MP warned that taxpayers will ultimately fund the cleanup, with costs escalating due to delays. "Whereas if it had been stopped sooner, the cost of clean-up would be smaller," he added, pointing to failed preventive measures.
Environmental and Safety Concerns Escalate
The seven-acre site in Stapleford Tawney, southeast of Epping and adjacent to the M25, is now covered in tens of thousands of tonnes of waste, buried several metres deep. It backs onto a tributary of the River Roding, which feeds into the River Thames, raising severe environmental risks. Laura Reineke, chief executive of Friends of the Thames, criticized the Environment Agency as "not fit for purpose," citing defunding and lack of enforcement. She warned, "This could combust at any time," and called for immediate multi-agency intervention to secure and clean the area.
Waste Crime: A Growing National Scourge
Sky News investigations reveal that waste crime is a booming business exploited by criminal gangs across the UK, costing the economy billions annually. Key findings include:
- Approximately a fifth of all waste in England is illegally managed, equating to around 34 million tonnes per year.
- This illegal activity costs the economy about £1 billion annually, with legitimate operators losing an additional £3 billion in missed business.
- The previous head of the Environment Agency labeled waste crime "the new narcotics," highlighting its profitability and poor legal enforcement.
Recent Incidents and Arrests Highlight Ongoing Issues
Recent photographs obtained by Sky News show tonnes of rubbish being dumped from a lorry at the site just last week. A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, witnessed a lorry stuck in mud and called 999, leading to the arrest of two men on 6 February. Essex Police confirmed arrests of a 55-year-old from Surrey and a 25-year-old from County Armagh. Despite this, the site remains open with no gates, cameras, or signs, 48 hours after the report and 12 months into the Environment Agency's investigation.
Political and Public Reactions
Green Party leader Zack Polanski commented on the need for behavior change over surveillance, stating, "Unless we're going to surveil people 24/7 all the time... I'd much rather look at behaviour change and get people to feel pride in their place." Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is urgently seeking a restriction order to close the site, with Barry Russell from the agency expressing shared public anger at waste crime. The situation underscores broader failures in environmental protection and regulatory oversight.
