One of the fly-tipping hot-spots in north Wales

Covert surveillance operations are planned at "hot spot" areas to help gather evidence.

The Environmental Crimewatch Project, launched in Llandudno, comes as new figures show the cost of cleaning up sites in north Wales alone was nearly �118,000 in just seven months.

"Green camera" signs are also being put up in worst affected areas.

Other problems that are being tackled include illegal fishing, pollution incidents, the burning of waste and land filling.

Alan Winstone, the agency's environment manager in north Wales said: "We welcome the support of all our partner organisations and the wider public to tackle this problem".

TOP FLY-TIPPED ITEMS Household rubbish Fridges and freezers Building and DIY rubbish Garden rubbish Business rubbish Source: Flycapture/Welsh Assembly

Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for the Environment at Denbighshire County Council added: "We have worked with the Agency in the past and this has resulted in a number of successful outcomes."

According to figures released by Environment Agency Wales on Friday, nearly 13,500 fly-tipping incidents occurred in a seven month period to November 2004.

There were 1,827 incidents in north Wales alone, costing �117,808 to clear up.

Environment Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Fly-tipping is irresponsible and selfish, as well as illegal, and will not be tolerated."

The agency has a 24-hour emergency hotline for anyone reporting environmental crime: 0800 80 70 60.