Environment Agency begins clearance work at Kidlington waste site after fire risk raised
Preparatory works start at illegal waste dump amid concerns over community safety
The Environment Agency has started planning clearance operations for the illegal waste dump in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, amid concerns over potential fire risks that could impact the surrounding area.
The decision to clear the site, where large-scale unlawful dumping took place earlier in the summer, follows advice from Fire and Rescue Services pointing to the likelihood and consequences of a fire.
Risks include significant disruption to the community, such as road closures on the A34, reduced air quality from smoke, and interruptions to local electrical supplies.
While not legally responsible or funded to clear illegal waste sites, the Environment Agency has deemed this case exceptional due to the scale of the fire hazard and overriding public safety concerns.
Preparatory works will begin imminently, with further details on the timeframe for clearance to follow shortly.
Exceptional intervention
Philip Duffy, the Environment Agency’s chief executive, explained the decision to act under these extraordinary circumstances:
“The brazen criminality at Kidlington has appalled all of us at the Environment Agency. Our local teams have been at this site working with partners to reduce harm and minimise risks while we pursue those responsible.
“This week, new information on the risk of fire was received from the Fire and Rescue Services and the Police, and a decision made to clear the site as soon as possible on a wholly exceptional basis. The EA and our local partners are now working through the most effective way to manage this work.
“We will update the public on progress with that as soon as we are able. We are determined that waste criminals will see justice for this serious offending.”
The Environment Agency has installed additional security measures, restricted access to the site, and monitored risks to the community, now moving to full clearance following further advice from specialists.
Government response
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds welcomed the decision and shared her continued support for local efforts.
“This site has been a blight on the community,” she said.
“I’ve been in regular conversations with the Environment Agency and strongly welcome the decision to clear the site. I will continue working with them to make sure that those responsible pay for their crimes.”
The funds for clearance efforts are expected to be sourced through operational efficiencies within the Environment Agency, without scaling back other services. Officials have reiterated that such decisions are only made in truly exceptional cases.
More details regarding the operational timeframe for clearance will be announced in due course.