The Environment Agency (EA) has launched a formal investigation into alleged illegal waste activities at Walleys Quarry landfill in Staffordshire, following months of complaints from residents about noxious fumes. The site, operated by Red Industries, has been linked to high levels of hydrogen sulphide, causing misery for those living nearby in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The EA said it initiated the probe after receiving new information in October. Red Industries denies any regulatory breaches. Campaigners described the investigation as an “early Christmas present” but stressed the need for tangible results. Dr Mick Salt, a resident and radiation physicist, said: “All we want is the truth. But we won’t take the pressure off the EA yet because we actually need to see the results, we won’t just accept platitudes.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Aaron Bell welcomed the investigation, thanking sources who came forward. He cautioned against prejudging the outcome but acknowledged the community’s relief. The development comes after a setback for campaigners last week, when the EA won an appeal over a high court case that found it was not doing enough to control emissions affecting five-year-old Mathew Richards.
Mathew’s mother, Rebecca Currie, who lives half a mile from the landfill, expressed heartbreak over the ruling but said the investigation had given her a boost. “Mathew is coughing so bad to the extent he’s choking,” she said. The EA stated the court decision would not affect its resolve to tackle problems at the site, noting a downward trend in hydrogen sulphide levels at monitoring stations.
Walleys Quarry Ltd, an associated company of Red Industries, denied ever receiving or disposing of hazardous waste illegally, calling the allegations baseless. It pledged full cooperation with the investigation to establish the facts.
