The Environment Agency (EA) has announced it will "carefully consider" allegations that hazardous chemicals have been detected at an illegal waste site in Bickershaw, Wigan. This development comes after an investigation by Sky News, which collaborated with scientists to conduct independent testing of air, water, and soil samples from the former scrapyard on Bolton House Road.
Around 25,000 tonnes of toxic waste currently remains at the site, which was discovered last summer. The discovery led to what was described as an "ocean of rubbish," followed by a week-long fire that released dangerous fumes and necessitated the closure of nearby schools. The site is presently sealed off and subject to a closure notice, with government warnings advising against entry due to potential harm.
A criminal investigation is continuing to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping. In May, a 58-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested in connection with environmental, fraud, and money laundering offences. He has since been released on conditional bail as enquiries proceed.
In March of this year, the government committed to directly funding the clean-up operation at the Bickershaw site, simultaneously granting the EA enhanced powers to tackle waste crime. However, five months on from that announcement, the substantial volume of dumped material persists. An EA spokesperson indicated that their scientists would carefully assess the new findings alongside their own evidence, reiterating that illegal waste sites are created by criminals who prioritise profit over community safety and environmental protection.
The EA also confirmed its support for the local authority in sampling waste at the Bolton House Road site as part of the broader incident response. While regular odour monitoring has been conducted without detecting significant odour issues during inspections, Defra officials are reportedly in consistent communication with Wigan Council and local residents to ensure the clean-up can progress as swiftly as possible, with crucial preparatory steps required before the site can be cleared.