Speaking at the Environmental Industries Commission’s annual conference yesterday (November 19), Mat Crocker asserted that despite austerity measures imposed on the Agency, resources to fight waste crime were growing.
His comments follow criticism in recent months from politicians and residents in some parts of the country that the Environment Agency is not doing enough to investigate waste permit breaches and carry out enforcement where necessary.
Commenting on the Environment Agency’s record, Mr Crocker said that the number of enforcement notices issued had increased between 2011 and 2014, while the number of prosecutions across all environmental offences has decreased.
He added that the “vast amount” of criminal activity the Environment Agency sees in its day to day work is waste-related.
Ports
Mr Crocker said: “We have seen increases in export of waste and now we have got full time resources at the ports to deal with illegal shipments. We have been given additional funding for waste crime in the last two budgets.
“We are working very closely with HMRC on issues such as landfill tax fraud. If we are going to stop waste crime we have to stop criminals getting hold of waste and that onus is on businesses.”
Criticism was recently levelled at the organisation over a 10,000 tonne mixed waste pile in Great Heck, which was abandoned following the closure of Wagstaff Total Waste Management in July. The site has attracted the wrath of local residents due to concerns over health.
The waste mountain, which garnered national media attention, is now in the process of being cleared by the Agency in conjunction with North Yorkshire and Selby councils.
On waste permit breaches, Mr Crocker added that 43% of illegal sites are shut down “within 90 days” but conceded that clearances can take longer. He claimed it was imperative for landowners to check the credentials of companies they are leasing land to.
Red Tape
Mr Crocker also commented on the Environment Agency’s ongoing plan to cut red tape under the government’s initiative to save businesses money. He stated that ‘over comprehensive’ hazardous waste guidance has been slimmed down under Defra’s commitment to reduce guidance by 80%.
He continued: “We want to get out of the hair of people who just want to do the right thing. We are making sure waste companies have a clear line of sight where their waste goes, such as the electronic duty of care (Edoc) which makes things more transparent.”
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