Ben
Ashmore - 11-Sep-2008 - As further rain
was forecast for the region over the last
few days, the Environment Agency reminded
people to remain vigilant and keep up to
date with the current weather and flood
warnings for their area.
Although river levels
in the area are beginning to fall from the
levels seen at the weekend, the ground remains
saturated and many rivers are still higher
than usual for this time of year.
People who live in areas
that are vulnerable to flooding may be able
to sign up to our free 24 hour Floodline
Warnings Direct service by calling Floodline
on 0845 988 1188. You can select to receive
warnings by phone, text, email, fax or pager.
Updates on latest flood warning situation
are also available online at: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.
Regional Director, Mark
Sitton-Kent, said: “Our people have been
out all weekend clearing any blockages from
rivers, erecting flood defence barriers
where needed, working with partner agencies
and talking to local communities about the
risks of flooding. We will continue to work
round the clock to do all we can to minimise
the risks that people face.
“But as the wet weather
continues we need people to continue to
be aware of the current situation in their
area, and make any necessary preparations.”
To find out if you are
at risk from flooding call Floodline 0845
988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline.
+ More
Environment Agency waste
raid nets £45,000 cash, safe and loaded
gun
Heather Vaile - 12-Sep-2008
- The Environment Agency, the Regional Asset
Recovery Team and Thames Valley Police seized
over £45,000 in cash following a raid
on illegal waste operators in Reading on
the 10th September.
‘Operation Airborne’,
a joint operation between the Environment
Agency’s national and regional Environmental
Crime Teams and Thames Valley Police involved
more than thirty officers.
The action began on
Wednesday morning with a raid on a large
site near Aldermaston where officers suspected
long-term illegal waste activities were
taking place. Four men were arrested during
the operation.
Evidence was gathered
at the site and a safe, cash, and a loaded
gun found in a search of related premises.
Hugh O’Donnell, 60,
from Paices Hill Aldermaston has been charged
with firearms offences and is due to appear
in Reading Magistrates today (12/09). Thomas
Boyle, 43, from Andrews Close Theale has
also been charged with firearms offences
and will also appear at Reading Magistrates
Court today (12/09). A 49 year-old and 50
year-old from Hampshire have both been released
on bail to return to Loddon Valley Police
Station on 3 November.
PC Ian Henderson who
took part in the operation said “This was
an excellent example of partnership work
between the police and the Environment Agency.
The illegal dumping of waste is a serious
crime and those involved in such activity
will be dealt with accordingly.”
In the second part of
the operation, trucks carrying waste on
the A4 were stopped and their environmental
permits checked. A number of drivers were
found not to have the required registration
with the Environment Agency.
Investigations into
various suspected offences arising from
the total operation are continuing.
Environment Agency spokesperson,
Sally Coble, said: "Recognition of
the serious impact of environmental crime
is increasing. Waste offences now carry
up to a maximum of five years’ imprisonment,
or an unlimited fine.
“The Environment Agency
will always seek to prosecute those breaking
the law and harming the environment. With
growing efforts in this area we will stamp
out the illegal waste industry.
“We are very grateful to the Thames Valley
Police for their assistance in this operation
and their recognition that illegal waste
crime is a serious criminal problem".
The public can report environmental crimes
on the Environment Agency’s 24-hour emergency
hotline on 0800 807060.
