Injunction for landfill operator over health risks

The Environment Agency gained an injunction against Himley Environmental Ltd at Birmingham's High Court of Justice

An injunction against a landfill operator whose sites pose a risk of pollution and to human health has been gained by the Environment Agency (EA).

The action was taken against Himley Environmental Ltd, which operates two regulated facilities on Crooked House Lane in Dudley.

It requires steps to be taken to prevent landfill gas "freely venting to air" from landfills at Oak Farm Quarry and Oak Farm Quarry North-East, the agency said.

A EA spokesperson added: "We would like to remind people that, for their safety, they should not go onto these landfill sites."

The order requires the landfill operator to prevent gases from freely escaping and secure the sites

In addition, the agency described the sites as "insecure", which could result in "potential harm to human health".

The injunction requiring the landfill operator to comply with enforcement notices was gained at Birmingham's High Court of Justice on 24 September.

The series of notices refer to gas management, surface water management, leachate monitoring and site security.

An EA spokesperson said: "This action demonstrates that the Environment Agency will take robust action against operators who do not comply with the conditions of their environmental permits."