In a disturbing incident that has left a local farmer devastated, a “disgusting” river of illegally dumped waste has marred the picturesque landscape of Bwlch Mountain in Treorchy, Wales. The unsightly mess, which can be seen for miles, has sparked outrage and calls for action from authorities.
Katie Davies, whose family has owned land on the mountain for 90 years, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” saying the sight “keeps me up at night.” This is not the first time waste has been illegally dumped on the Davies’ property, Nantymoel Farm, which produces Welsh beef and lamb.
Sharing drone footage of the scale of the discarded rubbish, travel blogger Nathan Dixon said the mess is visible from “three to five miles away,” calling it an eyesore that “sticks out like a sore thumb.” Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that fly-tipping is a serious crime, and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has vowed to take action against those responsible.
Davies praised the council for their support in the past, with volunteers previously helping to drag the waste down the mountain before the council disposed of it. However, she fears the clean-up operation this time will be even more challenging, potentially requiring specialist crews to tackle the waste from the steep cliff face.
“I’m extremely frustrated and upset,” Davies told the BBC. “It’s just devastating.”
In response to the incident, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has said it has placed covert cameras and signs in the area, and is exploring new technologies to help catch those responsible in the act. The council has warned that anyone found fly-tipping in the local authority will face a fine of at least £400 and could even face criminal charges.
This latest case of fly-tipping highlights the ongoing battle against illegal waste dumping in Wales and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect the country’s natural landscapes. As the public and authorities work to address this issue, the damage to Bwlch Mountain serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such irresponsible actions.