A JOINT operation to clamp down on illegal waste activities in Saltney got underway on Tuesday morning, September 30.
More than 25 officers from Environment Agency Wales, North Wales Police, Flintshire County Council and North Wales Fire and Rescue services joined forces and went into action in the River Lane area close to the River Dee.
River Lane is an industrial and commercial area which includes a number of small business parks.
The area has suffered in the past from illegal waste activities such as flytipping and the illegal burning and transportation of waste. Its close proximity to the River Dee also means a high risk of water pollution.
During the operation, those involved split into two teams with one team including officers from North Wales Police and the Agency’s Environmental Crime team stopping vehicles in the area in spot checks. The checks ensure all those carrying waste are properly registered with the Environment Agency for such activities.
The other team concentrated on visiting business premises in the River Lane area in a pollution prevention drive to assess the risk posed to the environment. During their visits they check that the operators are following proper guidance and are complying with regulations to ensure that activities such as the storage of oil, chemicals and different types of waste are safe.
Keith Ivens, the Agency’s team leader for the lower Dee said: “This joint operation will raise awareness of the threat that illegal and irresponsible waste activities pose to the environment. This is also a high risk location close to the main River Dee which is recognised as a conservation site of European significance.
“During their visits our officers will gather information on each site’s drainage channels to identify any high risk surface water drains and provide guidance and advice on best practice on pollution prevention and waste minimisation. Any evidence found of illegal or unlicensed waste activities will be followed up with enforcement action where appropriate.”
