§ 26. Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the level of fly-tipping and other illegal waste disposal in Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [124015]
§ Mr. MullinNone. There are strict controls in place to ensure that waste is disposed of without danger to the public or the environment. The responsibility for their enforcement rests with the Environment Agency and, in some circumstances, with local authorities as waste collection authorities and planning authorities.
The Environment Agency is investigating allegations of illegal waste disposal in Worcestershire in co-operation with Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and, because of the nature of the allegations, the West Mercia Police. The allegations concern activities at Mucknell Farm, Badgers Hill, Crabbe Yard and other locations in central Worcestershire. The purpose of the Environment Agency's investigation is to establish whether the waste management controls of Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been contravened and, if there is evidence of contravention, action will be taken in line with the Agency's published Enforcement Policy.