Illegal waste from Watford dumped at a warehouse in Margate caused a massive fire and disruption. Two men are sentenced.
The Environment Agency investigated the case. Agency staff said 85% of the waste came from Watford, about 80 miles away from Margate. The Watford waste site had permission to operate but should have monitored waste disposal better. Waste also came from Radlett and Hampshire.
Neighbors reported many flies in 2017. Officials found waste bales stacked high inside unit P at Westwood Business Park. Weeks leased the building for one year, and then 220 vehicles dumped waste there for three months.
Weeks hired Brookes’ firm for site management, saying energy companies wanted the site. Judge Taylor noted they lacked a waste storage permit. They offered excuses for not clearing the waste, and then a fire started on September 18, 2018.
Firefighters battled the blaze for 25 days. The fire’s cause remains unknown. A permit would have required a fire risk plan, and the Environment Agency said risk became reality. The fire disrupted locals for almost a month.
Rubbish spilled out as roads closed, and businesses also had to close. A local hospital even canceled operations. The disruption was significant.
The court sentenced David Weeks to 16 months, suspended for two years. He must pay £5,000 in costs, plus a £140 surcharge. He must complete unpaid work and rehabilitation and will wear an electronic tag.
Lee Brookes received a four-month suspended sentence, suspended for a year. He must do unpaid work and rehabilitation and pay £1,000 in costs and a £115 surcharge.
Both admitted operating without a permit. Their companies, DW Land and OMC Maintenance, managed the waste operation. Both firms are now defunct.