The suspension notice, which took effect on 20 July 2026, requires Emmersons Transport to stop carrying out the physical treatment of waste, including crushing and screening activities, until the risk of pollution has been removed.
The action follows an inspection of the company’s Ackworth Road, Hilsea site on 7 July.
During the inspection, EA officers identified a number of issues relating to dust emissions and concluded that the operator was not taking suitable measures to control and prevent dust pollution.
Officers also found that site surfaces were not being kept clean of dust, pressure washing was not being used to clean vehicles leaving the site, and materials were not being sufficiently dampened to suppress dust.
In addition, the site’s crusher had been moved so that its discharge belt no longer emptied into the main building, increasing the risk of dust escaping. EA also said there were gaps in the micro-netting around the site’s perimeter, allowing dust to leave the facility.
Alongside the breaches identified, waste was also being stored in piles of up to five metres high, exceeding the three-metre limit set out in the site’s permit.
According to the regulator, the operation of the site presented a risk of pollution from dust, including inhalable particulates that can be harmful to human health.
The site is located on a busy industrial estate surrounded by other businesses, and is also adjacent to the Hilsea Lines Local Wildlife Site and close to the Solent and Dorset Coast Special Protection Area.
Emmersons Transport has two months to appeal the suspension through the Planning Inspectorate. However, any appeal will not suspend the requirements of the notice, meaning the restrictions remain in place while the appeal is considered.
Area Environment Manager Michael Turner said: “Emmersons Transport have failed to limit harmful dust emissions, placing neighbouring businesses and important local habitats at risk.
“We suspended waste processing activities at this site and will not allow them to resume until the necessary improvements have been made.”
The inspection was part of Operation Unite – the EA’s 18-week nationwide enforcement operation targeting permitted waste sites suspected of involvement in criminal activity.
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