12/05/2005 - Undercover
officers at the Environment Agency are closing
the net around criminal waste contractors
after a hard-hitting BBC documentary on scams
in Yorkshire sparked a surge of tip-offs from
concerned viewers.
The documentary, screened last week, followed
the work of the Environment Agency’s Special
Enforcement officers in Preston, London, and
Leeds who investigated the dumping of tonnes
of asbestos in Halifax.
The day after the documentary was broadcast,
staff logged double the usual number of incident
reports from the public, and many of these
related to asbestos. Five callers also rang
about asbestos while the programme was on
air.
Another call was from a worried Bradford
businessman who was tendering out a waste
contract and wanted advice on how to recognise
illegal traders.
The programme showed the Leeds team tracking
down 250 tonnes of fire-damaged asbestos which
disappeared after being collected by a demolition
company.
Enforcement officer Paul Salter said: "We
are urging the public to contact us if they
know where this asbestos is. Communities are
being made to suffer because unscrupulous
traders are making a huge amount of money
by getting rid of waste on the cheap and blighting
areas with illegal dumps.
"This missing asbestos could have an
impact on human health so it is vital that
we find out where it is so that it can be
dealt with properly."
Anyone with information should ring the Environment
Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Companies that generate waste have a legal
duty to ensure that it is removed by a registered
waste carrier and that written records, called
waste transfer notes, are kept. Failure to
do so could result in the company’s prosecution
and a fine of up to £5,000.
Companies that collect and transport waste
should be registered with the Environment
Agency as waste carriers. You can check whether
the company you use is registered by asking
to see their certificate or by calling 08708
506 506 or e-mailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Ideally before awarding a waste disposal
contract you should also ask where the waste
will be taken to and check out the legality
of the proposed disposal site. Making spot
checks by calling the proposed disposal site
and ensuring your waste is arriving will also
help ensure that the contractor you use is
legitimate.
More information for businesses on their
environmental responsibilities can be found
at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs
