An investigation has uncovered that over 100 former landfills across England may be leaking hazardous waste due to flooding since 2000. These sites, many located in economically disadvantaged northern regions and often adjacent to residential areas and public parks, were used to dispose of industrial and “special” waste before stricter regulations were implemented in the mid-1990s. Due to inadequate historical record-keeping, the exact contents of these landfills remain uncertain, potentially including “forever chemicals” like PFAS, heavy metals, and toxic sludge.
The environmental threat is exacerbated by climate-induced flooding, which can mobilize these contaminants into surrounding ecosystems. Approximately 2,600 high-risk sites lie within 50 meters of water bodies, increasing the risk of water pollution. Experts warn that aging and poorly documented landfills could leach pollution, posing significant risks to public health and the environment.
Oversight of these sites has diminished since the defunding of contaminated land grants in 2017, leaving local councils without the necessary resources for assessment or remediation. Environmental advocates and Green politicians are calling for new legislation and increased funding to manage this growing risk effectively.
The Environment Agency has stated that it supports councils and intervenes where public health demands. However, critics argue that the current fragmented and underfunded approach jeopardizes environmental safety and public health.
Although the Environment Agency claims it provides assistance to councils and intervenes when there is a clear risk to human health, campaigners argue that the current fragmented and under-resourced system is inadequate. Without a coordinated national response, experts fear that the cumulative effects of hazardous waste leakage will continue to grow, putting more communities and ecosystems at risk.
This revelation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive assessment and remediation strategies to address the potential hazards posed by these historic landfill sites. Without immediate action, the leaching of hazardous waste could have long-term detrimental effects on communities and ecosystems across England.
