Organized Crime Gangs Dump Millions of Tons of Illegal Waste, Evade Authorities

According to a recent House of Lords inquiry, the Environment Agency has been failing to address the growing problem of waste crime in the UK. The cross-party Environment and Climate Change Committee found that organized crime groups are dumping more than 38 million tons of illegal waste each year, often evading authorities.

These criminal enterprises are not only responsible for the unlawful disposal of millions of tons of rubbish, but they are also linked to other illicit activities such as drugs, firearms, money laundering, and even modern slavery. The inquiry has revealed a "woeful lack of successful convictions" and a general lack of interest from the police in tackling this issue, which poses a serious environmental risk.

In a more positive development, the report also noted the gradual return of beavers to the UK. After being hunted to extinction around 400 years ago, these animals have been slowly reintroduced by wildlife and conservation charities since 2009. Just this year, seven beavers were relocated to the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in Scotland.

Additionally, the article examines the threat posed by invasive zebra mussels, which can cause significant damage to water networks. South West Water is working to stop the spread of these small, fingernail-sized creatures through the waterways in Cornwall.