State regulators have discovered an illegal dump near Batesville where trash is piled up to eight feet high.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is investigating the dump, which covers about three-quarters of an acre.

The site is filled with tires, batteries, appliances and other refuse.

DEQ waste program manager Graham Simmerman says trash also may be buried underground.

The agency is working with Albemarle County to clean up the site.

Investigators believe the dump is on property owned by Henry Chiles, owner of Crown Orchard Co.

Chiles said he was unaware of any dumping on his property. He says he's concerned about the dump, and if it's on his property, he'll do whatever needs to be done.