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Axil Integrated Services, the operator of a waste transfer station in Cannock, has donated £100,000 to the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country following a fire at their facility that led to nearby residents being evacuated. The fire, which erupted on September 5, 2022, at the Cannock Industrial Centre in Bridgtown, was triggered by thunderstorms that caused materials stored in the yard to ignite.
In the aftermath, an investigation by the Environment Agency revealed that water used to extinguish the fire had become contaminated. As a result, Axil Integrated Services has agreed to make the substantial donation to the Trust’s Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project. This action allowed the company to avoid prosecution for any environmental offences related to the incident.
The Environment Agency accepted an “Enforcement Undertaking” from Axil, acknowledging the company’s cooperation and swift admission of failures. Agency officers worked closely with the business to determine necessary remedial actions, ensuring that contaminated water was contained and removed from the site.
Graham Aberley, the agency’s lead investigator, stated, “Enforcement Undertakings allow polluters to positively address and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents.” He added that while this approach was suitable in this case, prosecution remains an option for future incidents.
The Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project, which covers 30,000 acres between Cannock Chase and Sutton Park, will benefit from the donation. The project aims to create a habitat corridor to support local wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and bees.
Chloe Hardman, the project manager for Purple Horizons, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “It will make a real difference to our partners at wildlife charities and local councils, who are working to create a healthier environment for nature and people.”
The fire incident, which occurred nearly two years ago, led to the evacuation of residents from Haling Way after explosions sent around 100 aerosol cans flying into the surrounding area. More than 40 firefighters were deployed to manage the blaze, and several cans even struck vehicles and landed in nearby backyards.
