SEPA and Crimestoppers tackle environmental
crime
Environmental update 19/07/2011
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has teamed up
with charity Crimestoppers in a bid to weed out environmental
crime.
The joint initiative between the two organisations will see SEPA
targeting illegal waste operations that harm the environment. The
body will also work alongside businesses across Scotland, local
authorities and the police to identify risks and take appropriate
action.
All Scottish firms must be registered with SEPA or be in
possession of a waste permit if they dispose of, treat or transport
any waste.
Crimestoppers are encouraging the public to contact them
anonymously if they have any information on firms carrying out
waste operations that are against the law.
SEPA's Director of Operations, Calum MacDonald, said,
“Operations such as illegal waste sites operate with an unfair
commercial advantage over legitimate operators and can lead to
serious environmental damage.
“Also, the increasing costs of waste disposal means that
environmental crime can be extremely profitable. There are
recognised links between environmental crime and serious organised
crime groups and SEPA has been working closely with partner
agencies such as the police to disrupt and deter environmental
criminal activity.
Tackling environmental harm is one of SEPA's key corporate
priorities,” he added.