A landfill operator has been ordered to immediately stop accepting waste after being handed a suspension notice on Friday (July 10).
The Environment Agency issued a suspension notice to SMLF Ltd, which operates the Seaton Meadows landfill site in Seaton Carew, following concerns over excess waste being deposited.
The notice prohibits the company from bringing any more waste onto the site.
Gary Wallace, area environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We understand the community concerns about this site and we’ve taken decisive action to suspend the permit to prevent any more waste from being deposited.
"We are committed to ensuring this landfill is completed appropriately and safely and we will take further action if necessary to ensure this happens."
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SMLF Ltd is required to comply with tipping levels set out in its environmental permit.
The company has two months to appeal the suspension through the Planning Inspectorate, but even if an appeal is made, the suspension notice would remain in effect until a decision is reached.
The Environment Agency said early checks suggest the notice is being followed, but that it will continue to monitor the site.
Residents may still see material being moved around the site as the operator completes work to comply with the notice, but they should not see any further waste being brought on to the site.
Residents can report any concerns to the Environment Agency by calling 0800 807060.
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