Bishop Sutton, Somerset - Watchlist site 11

The operator of Stowey Quarry in Bishop’s Sutton, Somerset - deposited over 200,000 tonnes of mixed waste, including automotive shredder residue and asbestos-containing wastes outside the terms of a waste permit.

There  is a risk that the site may be emitting landfill gas. There is a connection (hydraulic continuity) between the site and Chew Valley reservoir, that requires regular monitoring.

The Environment Agency, under the lead of the Area Enforcement Team, stopped the dumping of waste at watchlist site number 11 in late 2017 and several organisations and individuals were prosecuted. The main perpetrator was given a custodial sentence and several companies involved in the illegal activity received substantial fines.

 The site remains closed and waste activity at the site has ceased. However, as the waste still remains in situ, any further environmental risk is being monitored.

 We will continue to monitor the site and its associated environmental risk and take action where necessary. We will continue to pursue the proceeds of crime in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Illegal waste activity on the site generated considerable public and media interest at the time of the prosecution. The site was subsequently featured in the BBC documentary ‘Fraud Squad’. 

We have received enquiries from local people regarding possible remediation (clean up).