Tag: Environment Agency

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 16 October 2025.

People warned not to be complacent about risk of flooding, despite continuing drought conditions in Midlands.

As part of Flood Action Week (13 – 19 October), millions across the country are being urged to know their flood risk and what to do in the event of flooding.

In the Midlands, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Telford & Wrekin Council have partnered up to share advice to help people get ‘flood ready’ for the winter ahead.

The organisations have put together their top tips for people at risk and a guide to ‘who does what’ in times of flooding.

While relevant organisations work closely on flooding impacts, members of the public can contact their local council for help on surface water flooding, their local water company on sewer flooding and the Environment Agency on major river flooding.

People are warned not to be complacent about the risk of flooding, despite much of the Midlands region still being in drought.

The dry conditions of recent months mean that the ground is hard and compacted, increasing the risk of localised surface water flooding.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

With a changing climate, the frequency and severity of flooding will only increase. That’s why it’s essential you know what to do in a flood.

By knowing what actions to take, you can reduce the effects on your home and family and even save lives.

We urge people to check if they are at risk and to sign up for Environment Agency warnings.

A spokesperson for Severn Trent Water said:

We know how upsetting flooding can be, and as we move into the colder months and the potential for heavy rainfall, we want to make sure our customers feel supported and informed.

That’s why we’re working in closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to help communities stay safe and be prepared.

By sharing simple, practical advice to help protect your home, and making sure you know exactly who to contact, whether it’s flooding from roads, rivers or sewers, it’s vital that people contact the right organisation quickly so the right action can be taken.

By working together and making it easier to get the right help quickly, we can respond faster and ensure that you have the information and help you need, when you need it most.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement at Telford & Wrekin Council said:

Flooding is a real and recurring risk in our area, with both river and surface water events becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

As a local authority, we’re not just raising awareness during Flood Action Week, we’re actively working year-round to improve drainage, maintain flood defences, and support residents.

This is through practical advice and resources which is why we continue to invest into tackling flooding in hot spot locations across the borough while providing support to residents and businesses.

We’re committed to helping our communities stay safe and resilient and Flood Action Week is a timely reminder for everyone to check their flood risk and take simple steps to protect their homes and families.

Who do I contact about flooding?

• For flooding on roads, small rivers and streams - you should contact your local council, this includes blocked drains or grates on highways. They will also help you with groundwater surface flooding, as well as flooding in streams, brooks and small rivers.
• For major river flooding - contact the Environment Agency to understand your level of flood risk, what work is being done to reduce flood risk in your area and advice on how to prepare for flooding. You can find more information and contact details on the Environment Agency  website. The Flood line number is 0345 988 1188.  
• For sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes - if the flooding is coming from the public sewer you will need Severn Trent Water. If the flooding is due to heavy rain, Severn Trent Water may need to wait for the flood water to subside before they can investigate. You should also contact your insurer so they can give you help and advice. 

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 October 2025.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a father and son for running an illegal scrap metal site in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire.

• Environment Agency investigation ends in successful prosecution
• Defendants ignored advice and became uncooperative

At Northampton Crown Court on Friday 10 October 2025, Henry Thomas Allen, 73, and his son Lee Allen, 37, both of Station Road, Irthlingborough, both received prison sentences of six months suspended for 18 months.

This was on condition that they each undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. They were also ordered to pay £5,000 each in costs plus a victim surcharge of £128.

The guilty pleas, at a previous hearing, were for operating without an environmental permit and handling waste in a manner likely to cause pollution.

Site of concern

The court was told that the Environment Agency had designated a scrap metal business in Station Road as a site of concern for a number of years.

Located in the River Nene flood plain and without the correct sealed, foul drainage system the site contained large quantities of motor vehicle waste.

This included batteries, tyres, gas cannisters, fridges, freezers and motor vehicle fluids such as fuel, oil and battery acid. This was stored on bare ground without the correct, sealed, drainage system with a working interceptor.

The company was instructed to remove the unpermitted scrap metal on the land.

But the Environment Agency continued to receive complaints that new waste was being treated and stored.

Officers visited the site and on several occasions provided advice, guidance and support.

Environmental law

Sarah Dunne, the Environment Agency’s Solicitor Advocate, told the court that officers had made every effort to work with the Allens to bring the site into compliance with environmental law. This included guidance regarding the storage and treatment of motor vehicle waste.

However, in spite of this advice, the company continued to accept, deposit and store large quantities of waste metals including end-of-life vehicles. They also became uncooperative with Environment Agency officials.

After a court warrant was gained, Henry Allen was arrested with support from Northamptonshire Police. Drone images showed the scale of the waste on site.

Non-cooperation

The court was told that the father had a long history of non-cooperation with the Environment Agency. He had been served with a warning letter.

Though his son was made sole director of the company, the court was told this was nothing more than a paper exercise.

Sentencing both Allens, His Honour Judge Mayo said that their offending had crossed the custody threshold, that the risk of harm had been high and that they had undermined lawful waste operators. “If you breach the orders, it’s simple, there is a custodial sentence,” the judge said.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

We hope this case will send a clear message that we do not hesitate to take action to protect the environment and bring perpetrators to justice.   

These people operated the site without the required permit which, as well as undermining the regulatory regime, also had an impact on lawful waste operators.   

We are actively targeting illegal waste activities across Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and the country.

Anyone who suspects a company is operating illegally can call the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Background

Businesses and householders should carry out checks to ensure that they are using legitimate companies to deal with their waste. 

To check if a waste carrier is genuine visit: Public Registers Online   

Environmental permits exist to ensure waste is handled safely and does not harm local residents or damage the natural environment

Charges

Henry Thomas Allen

1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.

Lee Allen

1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 1 September 2025.

MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, has viewed progress of the scheme during a site visit. Once complete, the scheme will better protect 337 homes and 185 businesses.

Work on the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme continues to progress in 2025, with construction activity under way across key sites. The scheme is designed to reduce flood risk to homes, businesses, and community facilities that have been previously affected by severe flooding.

As part of his visit, Rochdale MP Paul Waugh toured several active construction areas and met with project staff to see first-hand how the scheme is developing.

He was shown the advancing works on the Gale West reservoir outlet structure, where the concrete outlet is taking shape and protective trash screens are being installed to maintain a steady flow of water and prevent blockages.

Mr Waugh also viewed the development of the new River Roch diversion, a channel designed to carry water from the existing river course into the reservoir once complete. Here, the construction of robust clay embankments along Greenvale Business Park and the railway line is also taking place, which will form the key boundaries of the reservoir and play a vital role in its long-term resilience.

Paul Waugh, Rochdale’s MP, said:

We know all too well in Rochdale and Littleborough the devastation caused by floods like the one we had in 2015.

So it was encouraging to see firsthand the progress made on this huge engineering project, which will protect so many homes and vital local businesses from future floods.

The EA team and VolkerStevin engineers explained the complexities of the project but also their commitment to try to protect local residents as much as possible from the noise of the works and the loss of amenities such as footpaths and trees.

Neil Johnson, Project Manager at the Environment Agency Said:

The Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme is making good progress and it was a pleasure to show Mr Waugh the latest construction works.

Once complete, the scheme will better protect homes and businesses in the area from flooding, while also improving resilience to future climate challenges.

For more information and updates on the scheme, visit the Flood Hub or download the Volker Engage app, which allows residents and businesses to receive regular construction updates and share feedback directly with the project team.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 29 August 2025.

Environment Agency is leading efforts to raise awareness of flash flooding in the Forest of Dean area.

• Local councils supporting Environment Agency in visiting communities
• Officers ‘door knocking’ in Lydney area to talk to residents on Tuesday 2 September
• Residents urged to learn how to prepare for flooding issues

Officers from the Environment Agency will be joined by colleagues from Forest of Dean District Council and Lydney Town Council on 2 September 2025 to share information about flood issues with local residents.

Some properties in Lydney are in rapid response catchments which means rivers are very responsive to heavy rainfall and can cause flash flooding even before flood warnings are issued.

Charlie Chandler, area flood risk manager for the environment in the West Midlands, said:

Flash flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly.

The effects of flooding can be devastating and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce the risk to life, property and possessions.

We are visiting Lydney to speak to residents about how to be prepared and what they can do to stay safe if they are impacted by flooding.

Councillor Adrian Birch, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, said:

We’re committed to supporting our at-risk communities that could be affected by rapid response catchment flooding in our district.

That’s why we are working with the Environment Agency again this year to ensure that people in these areas know how to prepare for flooding, and if it does occur, what to do and who to contact about different issues.

I would also like to remind our residents that those looking for more information can find it on the Forest of Dean District Council’s dedicated webpage, which outlines the responsibilities of the various agencies and the support for those affected.

Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said:

The door-knocking events with the Environment Agency will be a great opportunity for affected residents to learn more about the help that is available to them.

I’m so pleased that we are able to work with them once again to provide this service to areas in the Forest of Dean that are most at risk.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 20 August 2025.

Oliver ‘Luke’ Kirkbride given suspended prison sentence for the illegal operation of waste sites that led to a major fire.

In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, Oliver ‘Luke’ Kirkbride, of Stanley View, Mirehouse, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to multiple offences relating to the illegal operation of waste sites on the Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster.

On 15 August, Kirkbride appeared at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 200 hours unpaid work. He was also banned from being a company director for 5 years.

Major fire caused by combustible waste

An investigation by the Environment Agency revealed that thousands of tonnes of combustible waste was stored in breach of permit conditions, with operations continuing even after a suspension notice was issued.

The abandoned waste led to a major fire in December 2023, which caused significant disruption to neighbouring businesses and left firefighting and clean-up costs of over £2 million.

Large quantities of combustible waste were stored far in excess of the 500-tonne, seven-day limit set in the site’s environmental permit.

Defendant ignores order to stop taking waste

In February 2022, the Environment Agency suspended the site’s permit because of the significant fire risk, but waste imports continued until April 2022, and then under a second company until October 2022.

The site’s permit was revoked by the Environment Agency in November 2022.

Between September 2021 and October 2022, Kirkbride, as a company director, was found to have deliberately breached environmental permit limits, operated unpermitted waste sites, repeatedly failed to comply with enforcement notices and deposited waste without the necessary authorisations.

Further offences involve waste storage breaches at Unit C4 and the illegal use of Unit C3, which had no permit in place.

‘Waste criminals cause distress and destruction’

An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

Illegal waste activity and breaches of Environmental permits puts communities, businesses, and the environment at serious risk.

The defendant repeatedly and deliberately ignored environmental law and defied enforcement action by continuing to breach the law with no consideration for the environment or the community of Lancaster.

His actions led to a major fire that ultimately caused weeks of harm and disruption to local residents and businesses. The costs of which to resolve and clear were borne by emergency services and multi-agency partners including Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Lancaster City Council.

Waste criminals cause distress to our communities and can destroy the environment. This case demonstrates that we will continue to pursue and take robust action against anyone operating outside the law.

Background

• Kirkbride pleaded guilty to four counts of Offence of depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit, contrary to Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Unit 37, Lune Industrial Estate.
• Kirkbride pleaded guilty to three counts of Offence of breaching conditions under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 relating to the operation of waste sites at Units C3 and C4, Lune Industrial Estate.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 14 August 2025.

Pair dumped waste close to river, farmland and houses.

A local man and one who came over the border from Cambridgeshire and dumped commercial waste on land near King’s Lynn and caught by CCTV and a drone camera have been punished by the courts.

Phillip Moore, who ran a landscaping business only a few miles from the site in Clenchwarton, has been fined £600 by magistrates. Fred Harris, a roofer from near Cambridge, was given 100 hours of unpaid work to complete.

Both men were ordered to pay substantial costs.

Clockcase Lane includes 15 hectares of land close to the Great River Ouse. Farmland and residential housing are also nearby.

Moore was the first to offend. A covert drone camera was already trained on the site in 2022 as the Environment Agency investigated other reports of waste crime.

Gardener visited illegal waste site twice

In the September, despite the site being out of bounds through a court order, Moore made the first of 2 visits. A white and grey tipper truck was driven onto the muddy area, with Moore at the wheel. Moore’s Groundworks and Landscaping was clearly written on the side.

The surveillance camera recorded wooden pallets unloaded from the back of the van and dumped. The vehicle then left.

Some six weeks later, in late October, the same truck returned. Someone got out of the passenger side and unloaded garden waste from the back and put it down on the land.

The vehicle was then driven to another area and a wooden pallet was dumped on top of others. The van then left.

When questioned by the Environment Agency, Moore, of West Winch, claimed he thought Clockcase Lane was a legitimate site on which to discard waste, paying a third party £10 for each visit.

Moore was also told by King’s Lynn magistrates’ court on 13 August to pay £2,000 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £240.

Phil Henderson, environment management team leader for East Anglia at the Environment Agency, said:

“Moore and Harris should have known better as local businessmen producing a lot of waste through their work. Both men were negligent in not checking the legality of Clockcase Lane as a waste site.

“Waste crime blights communities. It harms the environment, having a devastating effect on rivers and wildlife. We continue to investigate Clockcase Lane.”

A few months after Moore’s illegal visits, Fred Harris also dumped waste there and, like Moore, had no authority to do so.

In March 2023, CCTV footage from a nearby property caught Harris, of Swavesey, near Cambridge, arrive in a white van pulling a trailer. Armour Roofing and Construction Ltd, which Harris operated, was on the side.

Van dumping waste got stuck in the mud

The film later showed household waste being removed from it and left on a muddy track. The van got stuck in the mud, and Harris was seen unhooking the trailer. He eventually drove off.

Like Moore before him, Harris believed Clockcase Lane to be a permitted waste site. He told the Environment Agency he paid a third party £100 to gain access to the land.

Harris, 46, of Rose and Crown Road, Swavesey, was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work. King’s Lynn magistrates’ court also ordered him to pay £1,000 in costs and another £114 as a victim surcharge.

Philip Moore, 32, of Long Lane, West Winch, pleaded guilty to twice breaching section 33(1)(a) (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, in that he dumped waste on land at Clockcase Road, Clenchwarton, on 8 September and 21 October 2022 without the necessary Environment Agency permit.

Harris admitted breaching the charge of dumping waste illegally on Clockcase Lane on 2 March 2023, contrary to section 33(1)(a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended.

Rebecca Simper, of Saddlebow Road, Saddlebow, in Norfolk, will appear before King’s Lynn magistrates next May relating to other waste allegedly dumped at Clockcase Lane in April 2023 and January 2024, and failing to provide information to the Environment Agency in the course of its investigation. She denies all the charges.

The Environment Agency continues to investigate alleged waste crime at Clockcase Lane.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 13 August 2025.

A transport company will pay a total of £167,587.13 for delivering controlled waste to an illegal site at Fen Lane, Long Bennington, Lincolnshire.

• Latest hearing following major investigation by Environment Agency into site at Fen Lane, Long Bennington
• Court told company was responsible for delivering over 1400 tonnes of controlled waste
• Sentencing hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 8 August 2025

The sentence imposed on Fletcher Plant Limited of Clement Street, Sheffield, is the latest result from a major investigation by the Environment Agency.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 8 August 2025, the company was fined £80,000, ordered to pay costs of £50,000 and a confiscation order of £37,587.13.

The company had previously been found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with duty of care regulations for controlled waste between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020.

Named Operation Lord, the investigation saw Environment Agency officers spend months building evidence of the illegal waste site.

The findings led to 12 people and 1 company, Fletcher Plant, being charged, of which 10 pleaded guilty.

Following an 8 week trial which concluded on 28 June 2024, the remaining 3 defendants were found guilty.

So far, 11 people have been sentenced to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment for their involvement in this illegal operation.

The court was told that intelligence gathered, revealed lorry-loads of shredded waste were regularly being accepted onto the site the size of a football pitch.

It was calculated that Fletcher Plant, over a period of 6 months, organised the transport of over 1400 tonnes of controlled waste.

The judge accepted that the company did not know the site was operating illegally, but its officers had a legal requirement to carry out a duty of care.

The company said it had built a good reputation and it was the first time it had been prosecuted in over 40 years. A new management team had also been put in place.

Peter Stark, Enforcement Team Leader for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:

This sentence shows that all businesses involved in the removal of controlled waste must make all reasonable checks to ensure that waste is being dealt with appropriately and not illegally.

If simple and continued due diligence checks had been made by Fletcher Plant they would have flagged up that the site operators did not have the appropriate authorisations.

Due diligence checks are not something that should only occur prior to starting a contract, they should occur regularly during a contract.

The duty of care in relation to waste is a legal requirement under Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity should report it to our 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Particulars of Offence

FLETCHER PLANT LIMITED, a body corporate, between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020, acting as a waste broker, had control of controlled waste and failed to take all such measures applicable to it as are reasonable in the circumstances to prevent a contravention by any other person of Regulation 12 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, contrary to section 34 (1) (a) (a) and 34 (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 18 July 2025.

Serious pollution incidents up 60% in 2024 from previous year.

• Three water companies responsible for 81% of serious incidents
• Environment Agency now has greater powers and more funding than ever to hold poor performers to account

The number of water company pollution incidents across England rose sharply last year, a new report from the Environment Agency has found. The report shows consistently poor performance from all nine water and sewerage companies in the region, with serious pollution incidents in 2024 up 60% from 2023.

The Environment Agency (EA) assesses all pollution incidents, with category 1 (major) and category 2 (significant) incidents being the most serious. In 2024, 75 category 1 and 2 incidents were recorded, a steep rise from 47 serious incidents the previous year. 81% of these serious incidents were the responsibility of just three water companies – Thames Water (33 incidents), Southern Water (15 incidents) and Yorkshire Water (13 incidents). All pollution incidents (category 1 to 3) have increased by 29%: last year water companies recorded 2,801 incidents, up from 2,174 in 2023.

The EA is particularly concerned about the increasing trend in pollution spills from pipes carrying wastewater uphill – these accounted for 20% of the serious incidents in 2024 and impacted some protected waters for wildlife and swimming.

Reasons behind the 2024 results include persistent underinvestment in new infrastructure, poor asset maintenance, and reduced resilience due to the impacts of climate change.

Last financial year, the EA carried out over 4,000 inspections of water company assets. With more inspections, the EA discovers more non-compliance: last year 24% of sites breached their permits. The EA is clear that none of these factors, including wet weather, can excuse the unacceptable number of incidents last year, and water companies must meet their legal obligations to the environment and communities or face enforcement action.

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said:

This report demonstrates continued systemic failure by some companies to meet their environmental targets.

The water industry must act urgently to prevent pollution from occurring and to respond rapidly when it does.

We have made significant changes to tighten our regulation of the water industry and ensure companies are held to account. With a dedicated larger workforce and increased funding, our officers are uncovering and acting on failures to comply with environmental law.

The EA’s expectations for water companies are set out in the Water Industry Strategic Environmental Requirements (WISER) guide, which states there should be a trend to zero serious pollution incidents by 2025, a reduction in all pollution incidents and high levels of water company self-reporting. It is evident that some companies are failing to meet these targets.

Under the Water (Special Measures) Act, the EA will have greater powers to take swift action against polluting companies, allowing them to close the justice gap and ultimately deter illegal activity from happening in the first place. To boost funding for water regulation, the EA is consulting on a new levy on the water sector to recover the cost of enforcement activities.

It comes as last week, Defra confirmed an £189m uplift for the EA’s water regulation, coming from charges paid by the sector rather than the public purse. This represents a 64% increase in funding since 2023/2024.

So far, the EA is on track to deliver 10,000 inspections of water company assets next year and we will continue to work closely with government and fellow regulators to hold companies to account so they deliver the environmental improvements for communities and wildlife.

The Act also requires companies to produce annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans to address the root cause of persistent problems and prevent pollution incidents.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 16 July 2025.

The Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit for Viridor Tees Valley Ltd to operate an energy from waste facility in Teesside.

This follows a public consultation on the Agency’s ‘minded to’ decision, which took place during May.

The decision is based on Viridor demonstrating that it has met and will continue to meet expected mandatory conditions as outlined in the permit.

The operator wants to run the proposed Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF) at Grangetown, Redcar.

The Environment Agency only issues permits if it’s satisfied the operator can comply with the permit conditions and has appropriate systems in place to operate the incinerator without causing harm to the environment, human health or wildlife.

The proposed site also has planning permission.

Permit will ensure ‘environmental protections are met’

Ian Preston, Installations Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said:

I want to reassure people that the permit will ensure that robust levels of environmental protection are met.

Environmental law sets out these conditions, and as a regulator we are obliged to issue the permit if we can find no reason that the operator would not be able to comply.

There is a decision document which explains in more detail how the Environment Agency reached this decision.

It also outlines the concerns raised during the consultation and how the Environment Agency has addressed these.

View the decision document and permit.

For more information on the facility visit Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility.

Background:

Environmental Permits

• Environmental permits set out strict legal conditions by which an operator must comply in order to protect people and the environment. Should an environmental permit be issued, the Environment Agency has responsibility for enforcing its conditions.
• Our powers include enforcement notices, suspension and revocation of permits, fines and ultimately criminal sanctions, including prosecution.
• We may only refuse a permit if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have a significant impact on the environment or harm human health. If all the requirements are met, we are legally required to issue a permit.

Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF)

• Viridor must comply with the environmental permit if it begins operating and Environment Agency staff will regulate the site to ensure it does.
• The site also has planning permission.
• The project partners for the proposed site have been engaged in a tender process to find an experienced operator to design, build, finance and operate the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF).
• The outcome of this procurement process is due to conclude this year.
• This will be followed by construction, testing and commissioning, which is anticipated to take approximately four years. The facility is therefore expected to commence commercial operations in late 2029.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 July 2025.

Work is underway to replace an outdated eel pass at Newby Bridge Weir to encourage better migration for the critically endangered European eel.

Activity is underway to replace an eel pass in Cumbria as part of work by the Environment Agency to improve river ecosystems and support the safe migration of the European eel.

The European eel has suffered a dramatic decline in recent decades due to habitat loss, overfishing and barriers such as weirs that disrupt its long migration routes.

Action is now being taken to improve eel passage in the River Leven by replacing the existing fish pass at Newby Bridge. It is outdated and no longer meets modern standards for safety, remote monitoring, or effective water management.

Formal notice has now been given for its removal, with a new, improved eel pass required to be fully installed and operational by March 2026. Construction began on 14th July 2025 and will continue for approximately seven weeks

The project will introduce a hybrid eel pass system, designed to enhance eel migration and biodiversity while minimising any environmental impact.

At the heart of the improvements is an intelligent float switch-controlled pump. This system activates during low water flows to assist eel movement, ensuring their continued migration even in challenging conditions.

When water levels rise, the float switch automatically deactivates the pump which will allow migrating eels to use the natural river flow. This is especially important to help promote effective movement to their local habitats .

This adaptive pumping approach not only supports the local eel population but also reduces energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable water management solution.

Improvements for maintenance, reliability and resilience

Once completed, the pass will also feature pebble resin strips, a specialised material that aids eel movement while limiting the build-up of debris.

During periods of high flow, the design allows for natural self-cleaning, reducing the need for manual maintenance and helping to maintain higher water quality standards by minimising blockages and stagnation.

To further improve efficiency, the system has been designed for easy visual inspection from the riverbank and will include remote monitoring capabilities, strengthening overall maintenance, reliability, and long-term resilience.

Francis Frimpong, Environment Agency project manager, said:

Replacing the eel pass at Newby Bridge is part of our ongoing commitment to protecting endangered European eels and improving river ecology across the region.

Over recent years, significant improvements in water quality—thanks to targeted investment, regulatory action, and partnership work—have helped support the recovery of native species across Cumbria.

This new eel pass is another step forward in improving river connectivity and enhancing biodiversity. By enabling eels to navigate past man-made barriers, we’re helping to restore their natural migratory routes and strengthen their numbers for the future.