Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Probe into illegal waste dumping now complete
MAJOR investigation of the highest level’ by environmental watchdogs into illegally dumped waste at a West Country quarry is complete, with a criminal prosecution now set to take place.
For two years, the Environment Agency has been investigating the discovery of ‘unpermitted waste materials’ at Stowey Quarry, near Chew Valley Lake, following a tip-off from the nearby community.
There have also been safety tests carried out inside and outside the quarry, while Bristol Water has been checking the water quality in rivers downstream.
Following the launch of the investigation, the agency suspended a waste permit at the site, which was subject of a failed bid to dump 150,000 tones of waste, including asbestos, six years ago.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We have found unpermitted waste materials at Stowey Quarry which were deposited illegally.
“We suspended the permit for the site in October 2016, prohibiting any further importation of waste. Since this date the site has not been operational.
“This site poses no significant risk to public health, but we continue to work with partners to monitor the area.”
He added: “Stowey Quarry is the subject of a complex and lengthy criminal investigation involving a number of parties.
“The Environment Agency does not have the powers of arrest in such cases, but is committed to pursuing those who have broken the law and bringing them to justice through the courts.”
Among the agencies called to the site was Public Health England. Charles Irish, a consultant for the Government body, said: “Public Health England is working closely with the Environment Agency and partners in this ongoing investigation. There is no immediate risk to the public as the site is closed.”
A Bristol Water spokesman said: “We are regularly monitoring the situation at Stowey Quarry, and working closely with the Environment Agency. As the issue is currently subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
While the agencies would not comment further on the case, officers from the Environment Agency have been regularly briefing Stowey Sutton Parish Council, which has published minutes on the updates.
According to these monthly minutes, members were told: “Although Stowey Quarry is not large, it is a major investigation of the highest level, with a national team and a number of suspects across the country.”
The minutes continued: “Whilst it has been possible to characterise what is in the quarry, in particular the gas and leachate, the forensic analysis of this is part of the criminal investigation as it provides possible leads to the source.
“The Environment Agency officers reassured that there is a low risk from the gas on site and the aroma should reduce.”
Minutes of the council’s November meeting stated: “The preparation of the criminal case is now complete and has been passed to lawyers for next steps.”
When plans were first unveiled for a permit to dump waste, including asbestos, in 2011, thousands of people signed a petition to Parliament against the scheme.
Among those opposing the plans was North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Despite numerous attempts, the Western Daily Press was unable to contact the site owners.