Approximately 30,000 tonnes of household waste have been illegally dumped across an area equivalent to a football pitch at a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Leicestershire, prompting a criminal investigation.
The Environment Agency has urged the public to avoid Cave's Inn Pits near Shawell while authorities assess the 'significant' amount of shredded waste, which was discovered after locals reported a foul odour.
Officers from the Environment Agency and Natural England found layers of waste covered with soil, concealed in a remote area of the site.
Investigation Underway
The Environment Agency is conducting a criminal investigation and monitoring air and water quality to prevent further environmental harm. Ian Jones, area director for the West Midlands, described the dumping as 'sickening' and called for public assistance.
'This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public's disgust,' Jones said. 'We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.'
Phil Hukin, principal manager for Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England, expressed dismay over the damage to the ecologically valuable marshland.
'This site contained some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire,' Hukin said. 'It is heartbreaking to see one of England's precious Sites of Special Scientific Interest damaged like this.'
Public Appeal
Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Environment Agency incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
