The Lincolnshire Guide > News > Spotlight on waste at leisure sites on Lincolnshire coast

Spotlight on waste at leisure sites on Lincolnshire coast

Caravan parks on the Lincolnshire coast are to come under the spotlight of a new project to protect the environment.

The Environment Agency has teamed up with East Lindsey District Council to launch Operation Clean Sweep.
 
Clean Sweep will enable the Environment Agency and the district council to share information about seasonal residential leisure and tourism sites along the coast, check they are complying with environmental regulations such as waste disposal and work with site operators to provide advice and guidance.
 
It will also improve the ability of both organisations to respond to reports of illegal waste activity on the sites and take action where necessary.
 
Peter Stark, Senior Environment Officer at the Environment Agency, said: "The Lincolnshire coast has the highest concentration of seasonal residential tourism and leisure sites in Europe.
 
These sites can produce a significant number of waste electrical items including televisions and microwaves, as well as hazardous items such as fridges and batteries.
 
In the past, this waste has, on occasion, been disposed of illegally by burying, burning and transferral to other illegal waste sites. Companies removing waste from sites are sometimes not registered with the Environment Agency and may be involved in fly-tipping or illegal waste activities. By joining forces with East Lindsey District Council, we aim to stop this kind of environmentally-damaging activity."
 
John Green, Regulatory Services Manager at East Lindsey District Council, said: "Environmental protection is something that we take very seriously. We need to ensure people are correctly disposing of their waste and not causing harm to the local area.
 
This is an important project and as well as reviewing the procedures caravan site owners have in place for waste disposal, we’ll be able to offer advice and guidance to help prevent the number of incidents where waste is disposed of in a harmful way."
 
The Environment Agency will be visiting all sites along the East Lindsey coastal stretch as part of the Local Strategic Partnership initiative. Sites in North East Lincolnshire were inspected in 2009. A total of 186 sites will be visited.
 
The visits will look at how waste is being managed, stored and disposed of as well as checking water quality and drainage infrastructures.
 
In addition, Environment Agency staff will raise awareness of flood risk among site owners and highlight issues surrounding Bathing Water Regulations.
 
Laura Harrison, Environment Agency Community Engagement Officer, said: "Lincolnshire’s coastline is well protected but flooding cannot be prevented so it is vital that seasonal visitors are aware of what they would need to do should the worst happen. This starts with caravan site owners - we want to make sure they are registered to receive warnings through the Environment Agency’s Floodline Warnings Direct service and that they have appropriate emergency plans in place."

Article Published: 07/09/2010

Latest News

• Lincolnshire pips Cornwall to be crowned Britains favourite food spot
• Skegness 4th most popular UK holiday destination
• Switch on success in Mablethorpe as thousands turn out
• Over 46,000 people descend on Skegness for SO Festival 2011
• Touring caravan consultation underway

• Spilsby Show This Weekend
• Lincolnshire road closed after package found
• LIncolnshire Guide Is Changing
• Festival Line Up Is SO Exciting
• RNLI lifeguards prepare to begin their summer patrols on beaches