Fly-tippers cover field in massive pile of rubbish
Witness
Waste criminals have discarded a massive amount of garbage in a open space in Oxfordshire.
The "environmental catastrophe unfolding in plain sight" is approximately 150m (490ft) in length and 6m (20ft) high.
The huge mound has appeared in a open area next to the River Cherwell in the vicinity of Kidlington.
A local MP highlighted the situation in parliament, saying it was "posing risk of an environmental emergency".
An environmental charity reported the illegal rubbish dump was established about a month ago by an organised crime group.
"This represents an environmental crisis taking place in plain sight.
"Every day that passes increases the risk of toxic run-off entering the waterways, contaminating animals and putting at risk the wellbeing of the complete catchment.
"Regulatory bodies must take action promptly, not in months or years, which is their typical reaction time."
Access ban had been implemented by the Environment Agency.
It is difficult to recognize any particular pieces of rubbish as it looks to have been broken up with earth mixed in.
A portion of the waste from the peak of the heap has toppled and is now only five meters from the stream.
The River Cherwell is a tributary of the River Thames, which means it runs through Oxford before joining the Thames.
Parliament TV
The official requested the administration for assistance to remove the illegal site before it triggered a inferno or was swept into the river system.
Addressing parliament members on this week, he stated: "Criminals have deposited a mountain of illegal synthetic materials... totaling many tons, in my district on a floodplain adjacent to the River Cherwell.
"River levels are growing and temperature readings show that the rubbish is also increasing in temperature, elevating the risk of blaze.
"The Environment Agency reported it has restricted funding for enforcement, that the projected price of disposal is higher than the whole twelve-month funding of the municipal authority."
Cabinet member commented the authorities had taken over a failing disposal business that had caused an "epidemic of unauthorized fly-tipping".
She advised representatives the organization had served a prohibition notice to prevent additional access to the area.
In a statement, the agency stated it was investigating the matter and asked for information.
It stated: "We understand the public's frustration about situations like this, which is why we intervene against those accountable for illegal dumping."
A newly released investigation found attempts to tackle serious waste crime have been "extremely neglected" notwithstanding the issue growing larger and more sophisticated.
The Environment and Climate Change Committee recommended an separate "root and branch" investigation into how "endemic" illegal dumping is tackled.
