Approximately 2,000 tonnes of baled waste and mixed shredded waste were deposited and stored on land in Talke near Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire without the site operator obtaining an environmental permit. 

During work to clear waste from the site, designated as watchlist site 103, both dust and noise were detected by authorised enforcement officers from the Environment Agency’s Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire area team. 

We have also received reports of noise off site from the local council. 

A criminal investigation is underway. A multi-agency group meets weekly to manage and mitigate risks associated with this site. There is a multi-agency site specific response plan and recovery plan in place. We are working with the landowner to facilitate the clearance of the site.