Fly-tippers submerge open land in enormous heap of waste
Billy Burnell
Illegal dumpers have discarded a huge quantity of garbage in a rural area in Oxfordshire.
The "ecological disaster unfolding in public view" is up to 150m (490ft) in length and 6m (20ft) high.
The massive heap has materialized in a open area next to the River Cherwell close to Kidlington.
Parliament representative raised the situation in parliament, stating it was "posing risk of an ecological catastrophe".
Protection organization said the unauthorized rubbish dump was created around a month ago by an organised crime group.
"This is an environmental crisis unfolding in full view.
"Each day that goes by elevates the threat of poisonous run-off reaching the aquatic network, contaminating wildlife and putting at risk the condition of the entire catchment.
"Environmental authorities must respond now, not in extended periods, which is their usual response period."
Access ban had been put in place by the environmental authorities.
It is challenging to identify any specific pieces of waste as it seems to have been broken up with dirt blended.
Some of the waste from the uppermost part of the mound has collapsed and is now just five feet from the river.
The River Cherwell is a feeder stream of the River Thames, which means it flows through Oxford before connecting with the Thames.
Parliament TV
The MP requested the administration for help to clear the unauthorized dump before it triggered a blaze or was swept into the aquatic system.
Informing MPs on Thursday, he declared: "Criminals have deposited a mountain of unauthorized plastic waste... amounting to many tons, in my district on a floodplain next to the River Cherwell.
"Stream volumes are increasing and temperature readings demonstrate that the rubbish is also heating up, increasing the danger of combustion.
"Environmental authorities said it has limited capabilities for compliance, that the projected expense of clearance is higher than the whole yearly budget of the local district council."
Cabinet member commented the authorities had inherited a underperforming waste industry that had resulted in an "epidemic of unauthorized dumping".
She informed representatives the organization had issued a restriction order to halt further admission to the location.
In a statement, the agency confirmed it was examining the matter and requested for evidence.
It said: "We acknowledge the public's concern about incidents like this, which is why we intervene against those responsible for environmental offenses."
A recent investigation found initiatives to combat serious environmental offenses have been "extremely neglected" notwithstanding the situation developing into more extensive and more sophisticated.
Government advisors recommended an independent "root and branch" examination into how "prevalent" environmental offenses is tackled.
