SEPA vows to follow-up complaints at fly-tip site
After concerns about continued fly-tipping at the illegal Mount Alexander dump site at Camaghael, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) says it will follow up any reports of such instances with a site visit by its staff, writes Mark Entwistle.
Last week we reported on discussions at the most recent monthly meeting of Kilmallie Community Council, where secretary Russell Leaper flagged up that fly-tipping at this site was an on-going issue and getting worse, not better.
Community councillor members heard details of the proposed Private Member’s Bill from MSP Murdo Fraser which seeks to introduce tougher measures to deal with fly-tipping nationally.
Unfortunately SEPA was unable to give us a response before the Lochaber Times went to print last week, but responded with a pledge to investigate any complaints of fly-tipping.
A SEPA spokesperson told the Lochaber Times: ‘We encourage anyone to report fly-tipping via the Dumb Dumpers Stopline on 08452 304090 or by completing a form at www. dumbdumpers.org. Members of the public should also ensure only licensed professionals handle their waste. SEPA maintains an online register of licensed waste carriers and brokers enabling the public or businesses to check and ensure that contractors are sufficiently compliant.
‘In 2018, officers from SEPA’s waste crime team led a multi-agency response, involving Police Scotland and Highland Council, to investigate and help address fly-tipping at an illegal site at Mount Alexander,
Camaghael, Fort William. Road stops were put in place to check waste carrier permits and information notices were issued to businesses requesting details of how they dispose of their waste. Stone blocks, donated by a local company, were also put in place to restrict access to the site.
‘Since the joint operation, there has been no requirement for SEPA to continue to monitor the site and we have not received any recent reports of fly-tipping in this area.
‘We would like to thank the Lochaber Times for informing us and will follow any reports up with a site visit.’