In a statement yesterday (24 January), the regulator outlined that Philip Taylor of Scorton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to operating an illegal waste activity and an illegal flood risk activity by depositing over 2,400 tonnes of excavation waste within the flood plain next to the River Swale.
According to the regulator, Mr Taylor was sentenced at York Magistrates’ Court on 19 January to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and was served with a court order to remove the waste to reduce flood risk. He was also ordered to pay costs of £9,500 and a victim surcharge of £115.
Paul Glasby, the Environment Agency’s investigating officer, said: “Due to climate change flooding is becoming more frequent and severe and it’s important that landowners and businesses are aware of the legal restrictions for working in or near main rivers.
“Before doing so they must first gain authorisation from the EA so we can ensure that changes do not increase flood risk to others or damage the environment. Taylor showed a blatant disregard for the law and the community around him. Building unauthorised flood defences or conducting unauthorised works in a flood plain is a serious criminal offence and we are determined to take action to protect flood prone communities and the environment.”
Catterick complex
According to the statement, the court heard that excavated waste was transported to land known as the ‘Catterick Complex’ from nearby housing developments unbeknown to the house builders in 2017 and 2018. The waste was tipped beside the river to form unauthorised flood defences to protect commercial fishing lakes owned by Mr Taylor. The Environment said they directed Mr Taylor to remove the waste, but he refused.
According to the Environment Agency the illegal dumping of excavation waste at the Catterick Complex could displace or deflect flood water elsewhere, increasing flood risk.
‘Disregard’
Paul Glasby, the Environment Agency’s investigating officer, said: “Due to climate change flooding is becoming more frequent and severe and it’s important that landowners and businesses are aware of the legal restrictions for working in or near main rivers.
“Before doing so they must first gain authorisation from the EA so we can ensure that changes do not increase flood risk to others or damage the environment.
“Taylor showed a blatant disregard for the law and the community around him. Building unauthorised flood defences or conducting unauthorised works in a flood plain is a serious criminal offence and we are determined to take action to protect flood prone communities and the environment.”
Suspended sentence..standard!