Blackburn | Watchlist Site 12
Site Information
This site at Blackburn in Lancashire was previously a permitted waste management site. However, in early 2017 the site was abandoned by the operator, leaving approximately 2,000 tonnes of predominantly plastic waste.
The Problem
The waste has posed a fire risk, with a series of major fires having occurred at the site, leading to local residents being evacuated. There have also been recent small fires caused by arson.
The site is situated in a residential area close to the town centre and vermin have been reported in the vicinity by residents. The continued presence of waste on site has contributed to the site becoming a hotspot for fly-tipping.
Our Action
Led by its Lancashire Waste team, the Environment Agency prosecuted the former owners of the site in 2018. Since this time, the site has changed ownership several times, most recently in 2024.
Site visits have been completed, environmental risks are being monitored with our partners, the local authority and the fire and rescue service, and we are progressing our investigation.
We will continue to monitor the site, assess environmental risks, work with our partners and press the landowners to remove the waste. We have been in correspondence with the local MP to update on progress.