An arrest has been made today in connection with a multi-agency inquiry into suspected unlawful waste activity at a site close to Camborne, the Environment Agency confirmed.
Joint operation targets alleged large-scale dumping
Officers detained a man in his 20s from Cornwall on Wednesday during a coordinated operation involving the Environment Agency, Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police. The individual has been arrested on suspicion of environmental offences but has not been charged.
Agency officials said the action forms part of a wider investigation into deposits at a site that contains approximately 50,000 tonnes of mainly inert construction waste. Cornwall Council is also conducting enquiries into alleged offending at a separate location.
"Our teams have been working tirelessly in our investigation into activities at this site. This arrest is a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing matters further," said Tim de Winton, area environment manager at the Environment Agency.
Enforcement steps and community protection
According to the Environment Agency, previous enforcement measures had been used to prevent further large-scale deposits at the Camborne site. These included issuing Illegal Waste Stop Letters to the landowner, hauliers and the operator associated with the location.
Officials emphasised that the arrest underscores their intention to pursue national enforcement action where necessary to protect local communities and the environment from unlawful disposal activity. The operation today involved evidence gathering and was described by the agency as a step towards progressing the ongoing investigation.
How the inquiry is being handled
Investigative work at the scene is continuing. The Environment Agency invited anyone with relevant information to contact its incident hotline, and noted that anonymous reporting via Crimestoppers remains an option for members of the public.
- Arrest: man in his 20s from Cornwall detained on suspicion of environmental offences; not yet charged.
- Site: contains about 50,000 tonnes of predominantly inert construction waste.
- Agencies involved: Environment Agency, Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Previous action: Illegal Waste Stop Letters issued to the landowner, hauliers and operator.
The agencies did not release the name of the arrested man, nor provide further details about the precise location of the site beyond its proximity to Camborne. Law enforcement and regulatory officials are continuing to collect evidence and carry out enquiries.
| Agency | Role in operation |
|---|---|
| Environment Agency | Leading investigation and enforcement, evidence gathering, issuing stop letters |
| Cornwall Council | Investigating alleged offences at an additional site |
| Devon and Cornwall Police | Assisted with arrest and criminal investigation |
Context and potential consequences
Illegal waste activities can carry significant costs for communities, local authorities and the wider environment. Large-scale unauthorised deposits of construction material can present hazards including fire risk, pollution of land and waterways, and the removal of legitimate waste management business for regulated operators.
Nationally, the Environment Agency has in recent years increased enforcement against organised and large-scale waste crime, using powers ranging from stop notices to criminal prosecution. This arrest may form part of a broader enforcement pattern in which regulators seek to deter operators and hauliers who bypass lawful waste management routes.
Anyone with information related to suspected environmental offences at the Camborne site or elsewhere has been asked to contact the Environment Agency's incident hotline or to report details anonymously to Crimestoppers.
