The Environment Agency (EA) has served a suspension notice on the operators of Seaton Meadows landfill site in Seaton Carew. This means operator SMLF Ltd must not bring any more waste on to the site with immediate effect.
It follows a recent Environment Agency survey which identified some areas of the site have too much waste deposited.
The notice was served on the operator on Friday, 10 July, and requires it to comply with the agreed tipping levels as outlined in its environmental permit. Checks so far suggest the suspension notice is being observed and the EA will continue to monitor.
Gary Wallace, EA area environment manager, said: “We understand the community concerns about this site and we’ve taken decisive action to suspend the permit to prevent any more waste from being deposited. We are committed to ensuring this landfill is completed appropriately and safely and we will take further action if necessary to ensure this happens.”
The operator has two months to appeal the suspension decision through the Planning Inspectorate, although if there is an appeal, the requirements of the suspension notice must still be carried out until the Planning Inspector makes its appeal decision.
Residents may still see material being moved around the site as the operator completes work to comply with the notice, but they should not see any further waste being brought on to the site.
Residents can report any activity or information to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
North East Bylines has been unable to contact SMLF Ltd for a response.
*The source of this report is a press release from the EA.
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