More action from Government is needed to tackle problems caused by illegal waste sites in Knowsley, the Council Leader told a meeting of Knowsley Council this evening (Wednesday, 18 March).
For several years, local residents have experienced issues as the result of companies illegally storing waste at the Simonswood and Williams Brothers Industrial Estates in Lancashire, and located immediately adjacent to residential areas in Kirkby. This has caused persistent issues with dust and odours, and despite companies acting without permission, or outside of their permits, enforcement to date has not tackled the problem.
Meanwhile, a large-scale illegal waste dump was recently discovered on land adjacent to Junction 4 of the M57, and despite investigations by the Environment Agency being ongoing, it is still unclear as to who will cover the cost of the removal of the waste.
Speaking to the meeting of full council, Council Leader Cllr Graham Morgan said: “Residents in Knowsley have for too long had to put up with companies operating waste sites unlawfully within and adjacent to the borough.
“Unlawful waste sites can potentially cause severe, long-term damage, including groundwater/soil contamination from hazardous leachate, toxic air pollution from burning, and significant ecosystem disruption and it is those living nearby that have to deal with the impact of these sites, which can earn those operating them millions.
“The primary regulator, responsible for identifying and responding to the issues these sites create within the communities they are located is the Environment Agency. This Council therefore calls on the Environment Agency to take proactive steps to address the ongoing issues these sites are creating within borough including and not limited to swift regulatory action and proactive clear up of these sites.
He also called on the Government to ensure that the Environment Agency had the necessary powers and resources to take decisive action.
He said: “This Council further calls upon the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to provide the Environment Agency with such tools, powers and resources to address this emerging and significant issue impacting communities across the United Kingdom.”