Appeal for information on illegal dumping in North Lanarkshire River

The appeal follows a report made on Tuesday 28 July of household items and commercial waste bags potentially containing food waste being dumped in the Shank Burn.

Chris Dailly, Head of Environmental Performance at SEPA said:

“Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we take reports of pollution seriously. Fly tipping is not only unsightly but, depending on the nature of the waste, it can also be hazardous to health and cause environmental damage.

“In response to reports of fly tipping in the Shank Burn near to the A73 (Stirling Road) towards Brackenhirst, officers are taking steps to identify the landowner and alert them to the incident. We’ll work with the landowner to ensure the land is secured to discourage further incidents of fly tipping.

“Fly tipping is a serious offence with significant consequences and those caught risk a fine of up to £40,000. This is a reminder to anyone being offered cut price waste clearance services that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is and could lead to a fine if your waste is then subsequently illegally dumped. SEPA officers are monitoring Scottish social media for illegal waste collectors or operators and are acting where appropriate.

“We would strongly encourage anyone who might have been travelling in the area or noticed anything suspicious to get in touch, so that we find those responsible and hopefully prevent this from happening again. Please remember you can make a report to us in confidence.”

SEPA operates a 24 Hour Pollution Hotline and information on the incident should be directed to www.sepa.org.uk/report. Reports of illegal dumping can be made through the Dumb Dumpers website https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/DumbDumpers.

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