Dozens of potentially toxic tyres have been dumped at a rural Co Derry roadside where similar material was set alight last week.
Local people say around 270 tractor and lorry tyres have been left at a crossroads close to the mainly unionist village of Tobermore.
The tyres have been stacked at a junction at Kilcronaghan Road, in an area known locally as the Five Road Ends.
The crossroads sits in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It is understood that an Eleventh Night bonfire takes place on the rural roadway each year.
Earlier this month a large number of tyres and household items, which had been dumped in the area, were set alight.
One local resident said ongoing concerns have been raised with authorities, including Mid Ulster District Council.
“The concern is the burning of tyres and the pollution is carcinogenic along with the run off into the water ways and we already have a polluted lough (Neagh),” he said.
“I don’t car of they pallets but it’s illegal to burn tyres, especially hundreds of tyres.”
The resident said the presence of tyres could have an impact on bonfire spectators.
“That’s pure poison, that’s going to cause them long term health problems.
A spokeswoman for Mid Ulster District Council said: “The council has been notified and as this site is not owned by Council, we have made the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) under whose responsibility the site falls, aware of same.
“We would advise that any queries regarding removal of materials are directed to DfI.”
A DfI spokesperson said: “The department does not approve of any bonfire material being stored or located on the adopted road network, or on its land.
“When officials become aware of material being stored on adopted roads or on DfI land, they consult with the PSNI and other relevant parties before taking action to ensure that the safety of staff and contractors is not compromised.”
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency said it had been in contact with the council “and understands additional tyres have been dumped at the site”.
“As part of a multi-agency approach, NIEA will, where it is safe to do so and with appropriate support from our partners, assist in the removal of hazardous and problem wastes including waste tyres from bonfires sites or associated locations,” it said.
