Detentions Executed in Relation to Supersized Unauthorized Rubbish Dump

Two individuals have been detained as an element of an probe into the illegal deposit of thousands of metric tons of waste in a rural field in the county of Oxfordshire.

Officials indicated that a 69-year-old was detained at a residence in Andover, Hampshire, while a 54-year-old was detained in Slough, Berkshire in association with the huge pile of garbage tipped near Kidlington.

These apprehensions come after a recent revelation which revealed the operation of more than 500 unlawful tips in England, including at least 11 so-called "major sites" greater than 20,000 metric tons.

A spokeswoman for the environment agency stated that the detentions were for environment-related and financial offences and were a "key step" in active probes. Both men have been set free on conditional release.

Magnitude of the Problem

The illegal site in near Kidlington, located between the river Cherwell and the A34 highway, is estimated to contain about 21,000 metric tons of refuse in a pile which is up to 150m (490ft) lengthwise and 6m (20ft) high.

This heap of waste is consists of what looks to be processed residential waste, chopped up plastic items, Styrofoam, tyres and assorted household objects.

It represents just one of 517 unauthorized sites across the country, at a minimum of 11 of which are estimated to hold more than 20,000 metric tons of waste. They include a 280,000-tonne area in Cheshire, two 50,000-tonne sites in Lancashire county and Cornwall county and a 36,000-tonne site in Kent.

The total figure of such bigger dumps is probably to be larger, as the environmental agency has in the past indicated it does not possess information on tonnage for each illegal tip.

The majority such locations are in agricultural areas, frequently out of sight, and on land that should be farm property.

Organised Enterprise

Law enforcement state many are operated by organized crime groups, who are generating cash by demanding far less than licensed operators to receive and landfill waste.

Businesses have to pay site fees to use licensed waste facilities, based on the quantity and type of material they are trying to get rid of, and landfill tax is also applied at just over £126 per tonne.

Public Outrage

Initial efforts to remove the affected dump started in recent weeks amid concerns over the risk of combustion and the effect that would have on the adjacent major road.

A commercial waste removal company has been given the contract to deal with the location over the coming 12 months at a cost of £9.6m.

An enforcement official for the country's environment division commented that the authority would be looking to claim back the remediation costs under proceeds of crime legislation from anyone successfully prosecuted at the conclusion of its active case.

She added that the recent detentions would help "push the inquiry forward" and permit the agency to "investigate more avenues to ascertain exactly what transpired and who was a party to it".

"This unauthorized dump at this location was an appalling and calculated affront on our ecology and the authorities share the public's frustration at this horrific act," she remarked.

A senior official welcomed the detentions, commenting: "The unlawful tipping of rubbish at the site is appalling and has led to substantial detriment to the natural world and distress to the nearby residents.

"The administration is committed to stamping out this kind of crime in the country, by boosting funds to address illegal dumping, recruiting more personnel and implementing stricter measures and sanctions for those who flout the law."

The apprehensions were carried out on the specified day by agents from a specialist organised crime unit and follow an prior arrest of a 39-year-old from the Guildford area in last November. He was set free awaiting more inquiries.