The substance in the barrels has been identified as a polymer resin, which is often used in wood adhesives, surface coatings and to strengthen paper tissues.
Paul Reeves, Environment Officer at the Environment Agency said:
This type of substance is not seen to be harmful to human health and we have carried out checks in the local areas and watercourses to see if we need to take any further action to remedy environmental effects.
Waste crime is a scourge that we have to crack down on, it can affect any neighbourhood, anywhere and individuals or businesses that allow somebody else to dispose of their waste must take their share of the responsibility. We were lucky this time as the incident was reported quickly and drums made safe, meaning that any danger they posed was minimised.
Businesses, councils and householders must make sure that they know where their waste is being taken so it doesn’t end up in the hands of illegal operators.
Paul continued:
We would like to thank Erewash and Broxtowe Borough Councils for the great work to remove the barrels and store them at their depots at a time when we could not be certain of the contents and therefore the possible dangers involved.
Fly tipping offences should be reported to your local council, but if anyone has any information about waste crime they can report it on the Environment Agency’s hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For media enquiries please contact the press office on 0800 917 9264, this number can also be used for out of hours enquiries www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Follow us on Twitter @EnvAgencyMids