Home / Environment / Massive Riverbank Rubbish Pile Appalls UK Leaders
Massive Riverbank Rubbish Pile Appalls UK Leaders
20 Nov
Summary
- An 'obscene' rubbish mountain near Oxfordshire's River Cherwell is 150m long.
- The Environment Agency is pursuing criminal charges against perpetrators.
- Officials are working to prevent pollution and mitigate fire/flooding risks.
An "obscene" and "utterly appalling" mountain of illegally dumped rubbish has surfaced next to the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, sparking outrage among political figures. Local MP Calum Miller reported the fly tip to be 150 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 12 meters high, situated perilously close to the A34. The Environment Agency (EA) has launched a criminal investigation and is collaborating with various local organizations to manage the risks.
The EA confirmed swift action was taken upon discovering further dumping in October, securing a court order to close the site. They are now focused on preventing pollution from the waste, which consists of shredded domestic and commercial materials, and investigating the illegal activity. Monitoring of water runoff into the River Cherwell is in progress, with preventative measures like booms in place to mitigate potential contamination, especially after recent heavy rainfall.
While the EA does not have a duty to clear waste, it possesses powers to compel responsible parties to cover clean-up costs. The agency stressed the importance of public reporting of waste crime, as only a small percentage is currently reported. Officials are committed to managing immediate risks and pursuing perpetrators to ensure they bear the financial burden of rectifying the significant environmental damage.
