Urgent Call to Clean Up Hazardous Illegal Waste Site in Wigan
In Wigan, a hazardous illegal waste site weighing 25,000 tonnes and situated near a primary school has become a cause for serious concern. A high-ranking official in the environmental committee insists that this site poses a severe environmental risk and needs immediate attention.
The decision of the environmental regulatory body to not clean up the illegal dump on Bolton House Road in this Greater Manchester town has been questioned. This is especially in light of the fact that significant funds are being allocated to clean up illegally dumped waste in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
Assessing the Health and Environmental Risks
Following a visit to the site located in the village of Bickershaw, Wigan, it was emphasized that the need for a cleanup is not only due to environmental concerns but also because of the potential public health threats.
Despite the fact that the environmental regulatory body does not usually receive funding to clean up illegal waste sites, it was argued that there are cases where it could do so under specific orders from the government.
The proximity of the Wigan dump to a primary school is a significant concern. Last summer, a fire broke out at the dump and burned for 10 days. This led to the school's closure and residents were forced to keep their windows shut due to the toxic fumes.
The Threat of Fires and Pests
With the warming weather, there is a high chance of more fires breaking out. Moreover, rising temperatures may also cause an increase in rat infestations and fly and maggot breeding, posing a significant health risk to residents living nearby.
Plans for Cleanup Delayed
Plans have been made by the environmental regulatory body to remove the waste in Wigan, but implementation is dependent on the availability of funds. The decision to clean up the dump in Kidlington was made due to the significant threat it posed to the environment. Similarly, a cleanup operation in Hoad’s Wood in Kent was deemed necessary due to it being an extraordinary situation.
However, the same level of risk is not attributed to the Bolton House Road site in Wigan, hence the delay in cleanup.
Ownership and Legal Issues
The largest portion of the land where the waste has been dumped in Wigan is currently without an owner. This land has now fallen under the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster through a common law principle. Currently, there are no legal powers enabling the environmental authorities to require the Duchy of Lancaster to clean up the land.
Investigations and Future Plans
Criminal investigations related to the illegal waste dumping in Kidlington and Wigan are ongoing. Several individuals connected to the illegal waste dumping in Kidlington have been arrested and released pending the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Duchy of Lancaster has expressed commitment to working with the Wigan council and the environmental authorities to address this issue and mitigate the impact of illegal waste dumping.
