Based in Northwich, Cheshire, watchlist site 73 was the targeted location for the large-scale unlawful dumping of over 280,000 tonnes of contaminated soil. Without the benefit of an environmental permit, the waste was deposited on nearby land.

Despite the waste not currently having any major impacts on the environment or the community, waste does still remain on the site. However, the site is now inactive and closed and therefore poses a low risk to people and the environment.

Led by the Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire Area Enforcement team, the Environment Agency has been working with the local authority to manage risks and carry out site inspections. Our monitoring and sampling have now been completed and the site has been secured by the landowner.   

The criminal investigation into this matter is ongoing and enforcement action is being considered.