The investigation found that significant amounts of household waste had been dumped at the Cave’s Inn Pits site, which the Agency described as “well-concealed”.
After receiving reports of odours from the public, the EA and Natural England officers visited the site last week.
The site contained shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it.
Ian Jones, Area Director, West Midlands at the EA, said: “This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust.
“We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.”
The EA has urged the public to stay away from the area whilst the investigation is ongoing.
Phil Hukin, Principal Manager, Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England, added: “This site contained some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire.
“It is heartbreaking to see one of England’s precious sites of special scientific interest damaged like this.
“Our officers are working closely with Environment Agency colleagues to investigate this appalling crime.”
Tackling waste crime
The EA recently released its Waste Crime Action Plan, which included £45 million additional funding to the Agency.
Waste crime is estimated to cost the English economy around £1 billion annually, with roughly 20% of waste thought to be handled illegally.
Recent figures from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) indicate the cost may be as much as £2 billion.
The Action Plan builds on existing government efforts to tackle waste crime, including the expansion of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime to 20 specialist officers.
The latest proposals come amid rising levels of enforcement activity against fly-tipping. Local authorities carried out around 572,000 enforcement actions in 2024/25, an 8% increase on the previous year.
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