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Tag: Environment Agency

  • PRESS RELEASE : Action on preparing for drought must remain, experts warn [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Action on preparing for drought must remain, experts warn [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 20 July 2023.

    National Drought Group reiterates the importance of continuing to work together to prepare for all weather eventualities and future droughts.

    As many parts of the world experience extreme heatwaves and severe drought, the Environment Agency will continue to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn, it confirmed this week.

    At this week’s meeting of the National Drought Group (Wednesday 19 July) – chaired by Environment Agency Executive Director John Leyland – senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, water companies and key farming and environmental groups discussed how to best manage water resources and ensure preparedness if hot, dry weather returns to this country.

    The group also discussed how we can no longer rely on past weather patterns and that the best time to conserve water is when it is raining.

    National Drought Group members heard that:

    • Following the hottest June on record, July has started wet in many places. Rivers that were struggling with low flows have responded with most now back into normal ranges.
    • Despite recent wet weather, the Environment Agency continues to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn. This includes closely monitoring the environment and ensuring we understand the risks if dry weather returned.
    • In June, the Environment Agency attended 58 incidents, including rescuing fish and deploying aerators, which are used to oxygenate water. Fishery owners were prepared for such events, as a result of advice given by the Environment Agency.
    • The Environment Agency is working with South West Water to investigate and potentially open up new sources of water to help improve the drought situation.
    • The Environment Agency is encouraging farmers to review their water needs and apply for changes to abstraction licences if necessary.

    Environment Agency Executive Director and NDG Chair John Leyland said:

    Our climate is changing – this year we’ve seen more record-breaking temperatures in the UK, historically wet months followed by historically dry months, and an extreme heatwave sweeping through southern Europe. Yesterday is no longer a reliable predictor of tomorrow – together we must adapt to ensure we, and our water supplies, are resilient into the future. Preparation starts when it is raining; we must all use the wet weather to conserve water.

    The Environment Agency will continue to work collaboratively across the water sector to manage drought risk, including ensuring water companies implement their drought plans, managing abstraction licenses and helping farmers to manage resources.

    As ever, it is important that we all continue to use water carefully to protect not just our water resources, but our environment and wildlife for now and future generations.

    Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    With demand for water growing and challenges from climate change, this government is acting now to ensure England’s water system is resilient and prepared for future droughts.

    Through our Plan for Water, we are funding more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment for farmers, have secured significant investment to increase our water resilience, and are ensuring key water supply infrastructure, such as reservoirs, can be built more quickly.

    Whilst we all have an important role to play in preserving water resources, water companies must also step up their efforts, including by reducing leakage and encouraging water efficiency.

    The meeting coincides with Waterwise’s Dry July campaign, which is running from 17 – 28 July. The campaign highlights how we can all play our part to use water more wisely and ensure our water consumption is environmentally sustainable.

    Waterwise Chief Executive Nicci Russell said:

    Last year, some parts of the country saw unprecedented weather conditions with the driest July since the 1930s and scorching heat, the declaration of drought and hosepipe bans for millions of people.

    That hot dry weather meant those of us lucky enough to have gardens were using a huge amount of water outside. This year, we’re running our campaign #WaterwiseDryJuly to rally and support people at home and at work. We’re helping everyone to take small and practical actions that will have a massive impact in reducing water consumption – if we all make small changes to how we use water, we can make a huge difference. Get involved today!

    Update on the operational outlook

    Dry weather in May and early June caused river flows to recede and reservoirs to decline, resulting in two Environment Agency areas – Cumbria and Lancashire, and the West Midlands – entering prolonged dry weather status in June. Recent rainfall over the last three weeks, particularly in north west England, has meant Cumbria and Lancashire has now returned to normal status. Recent rainfall has helped to restore river flows in many parts of the country and reduced temperatures in the water environment, which has helped fish and other wildlife. However, the National Drought Group warned that the situation could regress if hot, dry weather returns later in the summer.

    The natural environment continues to take time to recuperate from the impacts of last summer’s hot and dry weather, with Devon, Cornwall and parts of East Anglia remaining in drought. The Environment Agency anticipates that these areas in drought will not return to normal status until at least winter. As of 19 July, total reservoir capacity across England is 79% full and the July rainfall total so far for England was 65mm.

    Hosepipe bans remain in place for Devon and Cornwall to help manage demand with water supply reservoirs still recovering from last year’s drought. Hosepipe bans also remain in place in Kent and Sussex; however, this is due to increased demand for water in hot weather, which is impacting how quickly treated water storage reservoirs can be refilled, not because of drought conditions.

    The Plan for Water

    The government’s Plan for Water brings together the significant action already taken, along with new measures, that will secure water supplies. This includes:

    • £2.2 billion of new, accelerated investment by water companies to spend on infrastructure to tackle pollution and increase our water resilience.
    • A second £10m round of Water Management Grants to fund more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment.
    • A new National Policy Statement on water resources so that key water supply infrastructure – such as reservoirs and water transfer schemes – can be built more quickly.
    • Unlocking an additional £469 million of investment to develop new large-scale water infrastructure, including transfers, recycling, and reservoirs through the Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) programme.
    • Actions to meet our statutory water demand target to reduce the use of public water supply by 20% per person by 2038. This includes encouraging water companies to consider how to rapidly increase smart meter installations for household and non-household customers and delivering a mandatory water efficiency label on water-using products by 2025.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Annual report published on water company environmental performance [July 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Annual report published on water company environmental performance [July 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 12 July 2023.

    Latest annual Environmental Performance Assessment shows some modest improvements in water companies’ performance.

    The Environment Agency has today (12 July) released its annual report on the environmental performance of England’s nine water and sewerage companies.

    The report shows some modest improvements to water company star ratings under the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) report in 2022, compared to 2021.

    Measured against the Environment Agency’s 4-star rating, four companies have stayed the same, three have improved and two have got worse.

    • Severn Trent Water – 4 stars, the same as the previous year
    • Northumbrian Water – 3 stars, down from 4 stars
    • United Utilities – 3 stars, down from 4 stars
    • Yorkshire Water – 3 stars, up from 2 stars
    • Anglian Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
    • Thames Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
    • Wessex Water – 2 stars, the same as the previous year
    • Southern Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star
    • South West Water – 2 stars, up from 1 star

    Since 2011, the Environment Agency has used the EPA to rate each company in England from 1 star to 4 stars. The rating takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year, an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.

    This year’s report has found that:

    • The number of serious pollution incidents has reduced from 62 in 2021 to 44 in 2022 but remains unacceptably high. More than half of serious pollution incidents were from assets of Anglian Water and Thames Water – the Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against both companies.
    • Total pollution incidents were similar to 2021 and remain too high.
    • Incident self-reporting was at 82% – the best since the start of the EPA in 2011. However, this contrasts to self-reporting on serious incidents which was only 48%.

    The results show that although there have been some improvements, all water companies need to go further and faster.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:

    Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.

    While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change.

    The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.

    The report comes as the government today announced new laws to allow the Environment Agency to impose unlimited civil sanctions on water companies for environmental offences. It means it will be quicker and easier for penalties to be imposed, although the most serious cases will still be taken through criminal proceedings.

    The Environment Agency has also set out how it will:

    • Create a bigger specialised workforce to focus solely on water company regulation. By autumn this year nearly 100 officers will be trained in carrying out more detailed audits of water companies to quickly identify issues and put improvement actions in place.
    • Significantly increase compliance checks for every company – making sure they are sticking to the permits agreed with the Environment Agency.
    • Recruit more data specialists to make better use of analytics and technology.
    • Transform huge quantities of monitoring data into stronger regulatory intelligence. That includes using data-driven analytics to map monitoring data against rainfall to detect potential dry weather operation of storm overflows – known as ‘dry spills’. It means the Environment Agency can quickly direct new specialist officers to any sites at risk and stop it happening.

    Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    Today’s report shows there is significant work to do to drive the improvements in our rivers and seas that we need to see.

    The government’s Plan for Water is focused on more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement than ever before. I am personally committed to driving that forward and demanding more from each and every water company.

    We have also put new regulatory powers in place to allow the Environment Agency to impose sanctions on water companies without always going through the courts. This will be an important tool in its armoury to hold companies to account.

    Since 2015 the Environment Agency’s prosecutions against water companies have secured fines of over £150 million. In 2022 the Environment Agency concluded nine prosecutions against water and sewerage companies with fines of more than £4 million.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Work on £10 million flood defence set to begin on Essex coast [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Work on £10 million flood defence set to begin on Essex coast [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 14 June 2023.

    Thousands of homes and businesses will be better-protected from flooding by new seawall.

    The Environment Agency is set to begin a multi-million project to protect a vulnerable community on the Essex coast.

    In the coming days, work will begin at Cockett Wick to strengthen and raise the seawall. More than 150 steel piles will be installed along with the construction of a new concrete wall and footpath to protect homes in Jaywick from flooding.

    In excess of 14,000 tonnes of rock armour will also be placed on the sea-side of the defence to protect the strengthened wall from wave damage.

    Together, the work will help to protect more than 3,000 properties and businesses. The changes will help to ensure this part of the Essex coast remains protected despite climate change and sea level-rise.

    The defences are designed to be raised again in 50 years’ time to ensure another 50 years of protection, all while maintaining views of the sea.

    John Lindsay, Essex coastal engineer for the Environment Agency, said:

    We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK and around the world. This is why urgent action is needed to adapt to the effect of the climate emergency. The work at Cockett Wick will help to continue to protect the local communities for decades to come.

    Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by visiting gov.uk and search flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgencyAnglia on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

    Regular drop-in sessions will take process throughout the project where residents will be able to find out how the work is progressing.

    Throughout the construction work, it will be necessary to close the current access road that links Jaywick to the Martello Tower. During this time, an alternative access route will be provided via Hutleys Caravan Park, in Seawick. This will use a temporary road running behind the sea defences leading to a temporary car park at the Martello Tower.

    Pedestrian access between Seawick and Jaywick will be maintained throughout the work. However, temporary footpath diversions will also be in place to the rear of the seawall for the duration of the work.

    • The Government’s investment in flooding has doubled to a record £5.2 billion between 2021 and 2027, creating around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties across England.
    • The contractor for this project is BAM Nuttall. They will also be providing updates on the project through their Facebook page.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency Chair – Nature and traditional defences to tackle flooding and coastal erosion [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency Chair – Nature and traditional defences to tackle flooding and coastal erosion [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 6 June 2023.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell and Floods Minister Rebecca Pow stress importance of managing flood risks in a changing climate.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell will today (6 June) stress the importance of building and maintaining strong defences to reduce the risk of flooding in a speech to leaders in flood risk management.

    He will tell the Telford-based industry-leading trade show Flood & Coast Conference and Exhibition 2023 that nature-based solutions must also play a role in managing flooding and climate change.

    Flood & Coast takes place from 6-8 June. Produced by trade body CIWEM and hosted in partnership with the EA, the conference brings together key stakeholders including local authorities, infrastructure owners, consultancies, contractors, businesses, community groups and universities.

    Last year’s event saw the EA launch the FCERM Strategy Roadmap, setting out the practical actions the environmental regulator and its partners will take by 2026/27 to tackle the growing threat of flooding from rivers, the sea and surface water, as well as coastal erosion. The Roadmap also sets out how we will deliver a host of wider benefits, including local nature recovery, carbon reduction and more integrated water management to help with both flood and drought resilience.

    Floods Minister Rebecca Pow and Alan Lovell will give keynote speeches on this year’s event’s first day, highlighting the progress made towards our objectives, as well as our investments in the Roadmap.

    John Curtin, the EA’s CEO; David Hallam, Defra’s director of flood and water; Caroline Douglass, the EA’s executive director of FCRM; and Julie Foley, the EA’s director of flood risk strategy and national adaptation, will all also appear at the show. They will discuss how to maximise the benefits of the government’s record £5.2 billion capital investment programme and unpack how updating flood and coastal risk models enables us to adapt to a changing climate.

    In addition, the show will host the EA’s Flood and Coast Excellence Awards, which aim to celebrate leaders from across the FCRM sector. This year’s awards see categories including: A nation ready to respond and adapt to flooding and coastal change; Climate Resilient Places; Climate Resilient Infrastructure; Innovation Excellence; and an early career award. Winners will be announced on 8 June.

    EA Chair Alan Lovell said:

    I want to recognise the significant efforts that Environment Agency teams and their partners have made to protect better more than 374,000 properties from flooding since 2015.

    In the face of a changing climate, we must embrace a broad range of resilience actions to reduce flood risk across the country.

    By working with partners, we are already making huge progress in delivering our FCERM Strategy Roadmap, including the use of innovative nature-based solutions in combination with other measures, such as traditional engineered flood and coastal defences.

    Floods Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    As climate change leads to sea level rise and more extreme rainfall, the number of people affected by flooding and coastal erosion is likely to grow.

    That is why the Government is committed to acting now – and for the long-term – so that our country can be better protected and better prepared for the future.

    We are investing record amounts into flood defences, protecting homes and businesses, supporting the economy and helping to adapt to climate change.

    Alan Lovell took up the post of the EA’s Chair in September 2022, succeeding Emma Howard Boyd.

    Since then, the EA published an evaluation of the key achievements from the £15 million natural flood management (NFM) pilot programme in December 2022, the lessons from which are informing how we work with partners to mainstream NFM. Publishing the evaluation is an action we took as part of the Roadmap.

    The EA launched the updated Thames Estuary 2100 Plan in May, setting out how it aims to protect more than 1.4 million people and £321 billion of property from both the existing risks faced from tidal flooding, as well as the growing risks that climate change will bring.

    Later that month, the EA launched the ‘Be Flood Smart’ campaign in partnership with FloodRe, a joint initiative between the government and the insurance industry. The campaign encourages householders to protect their homes better against the impact of future floods with property flood resilience measures.

    More widely, the EA’s new flood defences have ensured the better protection of 374,000 homes since 2015. We continue to do more, delivering a record £5.2 billion investment to protect better hundreds of thousands of properties, and the EA’s FCERM strategy will prepare us for more extreme weather and build a more resilient nation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency invests in 220 projects to benefit fisheries [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency invests in 220 projects to benefit fisheries [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 1 June 2023.

    Nearly £1 million of rod licence income has been invested to improve fisheries across England in the last year.

    Nearly £1 million of rod licence income has been invested to improve fisheries across England in the last year, the Environment Agency announced today (1 June), with 220 projects delivering benefits to anglers and supporting sustainable fish stocks.

    Projects supported with £925,000 through the Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) include creating habitat for coarse fish and trout, and improving angling access facilities so that more people are able to enjoy the sport.

    Since FIP was established in 2015, over 1000 projects have been successfully completed, with a total of nearly £7 million reinvested from fishing licence sales alone.

    Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Manager, said:

    The Fisheries Improvement Programme is a great example of how rod licence income is being reinvested, resulting in sustainable fish stocks and directly benefiting angling and local communities. The programme recognises and invests in a wide programme of work to help maintain, improve and develop fisheries.

    Looking to the future, we will continue to work with our partners, angling clubs and fisheries to identify and deliver high quality projects, the more people who buy a licence and go fishing, the more we can invest in this way.

    Every penny that the Environment Agency receives in fishing licence income is reinvested to protect both the sport of angling and England’s waterways. The FIP funding is also matched by local partners including angling clubs and fisheries and local trusts. Over the last year the total match funding, made up of additional cash and in-kind contributions, is estimated to be early £6.3 million.

    The Environment Agency works with organisations such as the Angling Trust and Wild Trout Trust to make sure projects are carried out to their full potential and have the support they need.

    Shaun Leonard, Director at the Wild Trout Trust, said:

    Money from the Fisheries Improvement Programme has allowed us to do some really good work with angling club members to improve habitats for the wildlife of England’s rivers.

    In rivers in Cumbria, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, Suffolk and Yorkshire, we’ve fenced out livestock, planted trees, battled problem plants like Himalayan balsam and introduced wood and gravel to create more and varied habitat – all of which benefit the river’s plants, invertebrates, fish and the people who value those places.

    Mark Owen, Angling Trust Head of Fisheries, said:

    At the Angling Trust we very much support the Environment Agency’s Fisheries Improvement Programme. Funding from anglers’ rod licence income and the resulting work will benefit local anglers and improve fishing opportunities.

    We support the process by gathering project ideas from clubs and fisheries for assessment by Environment Agency fisheries officers.

    Examples of Projects in 2022/23:

    Colwick Holme Sluices, Nottinghamshire:

    Holme Sluices near Colwick Country Park in Nottinghamshire is a major flood risk management structure, owned by the Environment Agency, that spans the full width of the River Trent. It is also the largest single barrier to fish migration in the Midlands as the sluice gates maintain different upstream and downstream water levels, leaving fish unable to pass through.

    Through the FIP, the project was awarded £50,000 to help with the multi-million pound construction of a deep vertical slot fish pass. The fish pass will be broken up into a series of 21 ascending chambers into which the water flows through narrow slots. All fish species can swim through these slots and rest in the next chamber above before continuing their journey up the pass and into the river.

    Construction has already began and the Environment Agency hope to have to have this finished by the end of September so that the River Trent can start to see more fish species and an increase in angling activities.

    Silsoe Junior Angling Coaching Lake, Bedfordshire:

    Silsoe Angling Club have invested the FIP money on helping to create a brand new angling coaching lake which will be purely dedicated for juniors, disabled anglers and newcomers to the sport. The club currently has 20 angling pegs around its existing lake but due to a growing membership, demand has outstripped supply.

    This new lake will create a further 10 pegs which will enable the angling club to increase membership to approximately 100 members and allow for more angling participation events.

    ON track new initiative, Lincolnshire:

    The ON track new initiative project, supported by the Environment Agency, has been awarded nearly £3,000 to support the buying of materials to create a wheelchair friendly pathway at an angling lake in Friskney. Money has also helped to create easier access fishing platforms for less able-bodied anglers.

    ON track recognises the benefits that angling has on mental health and shares the passion that everyone should be able to enjoy the sport with no limitations.

    Nutsey Lake, Hampshire:

    Nutsey Lake, managed by Test Valley Angling Club, was once one of the best carp fisheries in the country and once held carp in excess of 50lbs. Over the last 30 years the fishery has progressively shallowed due to the build-up of increasing amounts of decomposing leaf litter.

    Not only this but Test Valley Angling club has also witnessed increasing episodes of water quality related issues at Nutsey Lake, such as algal blooms, reduced dissolved oxygen levels and subsequent fish mortalities.

    Through FIP, £32,000 has been awarded to invest in a series of improvements to the lake. Activities such as the removal of approximately 1000m3 of sediment has been made to improve the water quality within the lake along with the implementation of a tree and terrestrial scrub management programme so that wind/wave action is improved across the water. The lake has also seen a solar aeration system installed so that during periods of prolonged dry weather, dissolved oxygen levels are improved.

    Further examples of FIP projects in 2022/23:

    • Sankey Glaze, St Helens – Angling facilities have been improved to enable junior coaching opportunities.
    • Mimram Panshanger Park, Hertfordshire – Funding helped habitat improvements to chalk stream undertaken by the Wild Trout Trust.
    • Ripple and Upton free fishery repairs, River Severn – Existing steps and handrails were replaced to allow a more safer venue for all anglers.
    • Stanborough Lakes and River Lea, North London – The Environment Agency have been working with local angling clubs to upgrade existing fishing platforms.
    • Filston Farm habitat improvement, Kent – Funding helped improve the native trout habitats in the River Kent.
    • Little Avon Fisheries, Bristol – Practical habitat improvements were made to benefit fish stocks and the general biodiversity within Little Avon and its tributaries.

    The 2023/24 FIP programme is currently underway and a variety of new and existing projects are currently being allocated funding.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman Lee Charles ordered to pay back £82,100 [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 30 May 2023.

    A conman who toured England to deceive customers over the disposal of harmful asbestos has been ordered to pay back £82,100.

    Lee Charles of Caldicot Gardens, Grantham, in Lincolnshire, previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to lying to customers and giving false paperwork to hide his deception. He was given a suspended prison sentence.

    The defendant was back at Lincoln Crown Court, May 22, in a case brought by the Environment Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Following a financial investigation into the lawful costs he avoided from his crimes.

    Charles marketed himself as Lincs Demolition Limited for 2 years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos to gain lucrative jobs from Dorking to Doncaster. He had no legal permit to carry out the work.

    The list of places where the 40-year-old acted out his dishonesty can be found at the end of the release.

    Asbestos is a hazardous substance when disturbed and carcinogenic. The UK banned its use in 1999.

    Having duped his customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, in Lincolnshire. 200 metres from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre.

    Charles told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.

    Paul Salter, an Environmental Waste Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

    Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime does not pay.

    Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute those who abuse the environment, but we also use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.

    We support legitimate businesses, and we are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.

    We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.

    If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers at Welbourn, moving his activities to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford. He continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.

    In 2015, illegal waste activity was estimated to cost over £600 million in England alone, with the figure for the UK likely to be much higher.

    The Environment Agency’s permitting system enables businesses to carry out their operations, while robust regulation provides the level playing field legitimate businesses need to prevent being undercut by irresponsible or illegal operators.

    Additional information:

    Charles previously pleaded guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to Regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    He also pleaded guilty to two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to Sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    The list of locations are:

    • Abingdon
    • Barton-upon-Humber
    • Boston
    • Burntwood
    • Cambridge
    • Caterham
    • Doncaster
    • Dorking
    • Erdington
    • Birmingham
    • Grantham
    • Gravesend
    • Great Yarmouth
    • Huntingdon
    • Ipswich
    • Kettering
    • Kings Lynn
    • Leicester
    • Lincoln
    • Loughborough
    • Luton
    • Mansfield
    • Market Rasen
    • Melton Mowbray
    • Newark
    • Norwich
    • Nottingham
    • Oakham
    • Peterborough
    • Scunthorpe
    • Sidcup
    • London
    • Sleaford
    • Spalding
    • St Ives, Cambridgeshire
    • Stockport
    • Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
    • Stourbridge
    • Walsall
    • Warsop
    • Wellingborough
    • Worksop.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman ordered to pay back thousands [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asbestos conman ordered to pay back thousands [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 24 May 2023.

    Man’s 40 destinations of deception read like an A-Z, including several locations in the South East.

    A builder who hid asbestos near a school after lying to customers about his qualifications to remove it is to hand over money he earned from dozens of jobs.

    Kent, south-east London, Surrey and Oxfordshire were among the places Lee Charles targeted with false paperwork to win high-value contracts.

    The Lincolnshire man was last year given 12 months in prison, suspended for 2 years. Now, a court has decided 40-year-old Charles must pay up £82,100 in a proceeds of crime order.

    He used the company name Lincs Demolition Ltd for 2 years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos in places including Abingdon, Caterham, Dorking, Gravesend, Luton and Sidcup. But Charles had no legal permit from the Environment Agency to do the work.

    He zig-zagged England to act out his crimes:

    Abingdon, Barton-upon-Humber, Boston, Burntwood, Cambridge, Caterham, Doncaster, Dorking, Erdington, Birmingham; Grantham, Gravesend, Great Yarmouth, Huntingdon, Ipswich, Kettering, Kings Lynn, Leicester, Lincoln, Loughborough, Luton, Mansfield, Market Rasen, Melton Mowbray…

    … Newark, Norwich, Nottingham, Oakham, Peterborough, Scunthorpe, Sidcup, London; Sleaford, Spalding, St Ives, Cambridgeshire; Stockport, Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester; Stourbridge, Walsall, Warsop, Wellingborough and Worksop.

    Charles told customers he was legitimate. He wasn’t and got a suspended prison sentence and an order to pay back tens of thousands of pounds gained from his illegal work.

    Having duped customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, in Lincolnshire, 200m from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre.

    Charles told the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.

    Asbestos is a hazardous substance when disturbed and carcinogenic. The UK banned its use in 1999.

    Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers, moving to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford, where he continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.

    Paul Salter, an environmental waste crime officer for the Environment Agency, said:

    “Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back money, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime doesn’t pay.

    “Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute offenders, but use proceeds of crime orders to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.

    “The Environment Agency supports legitimate business by disrupting and stopping the criminal element, backed up by the threat of tough enforcement, as in this case.

    “We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.

    “If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    In 2015, illegal waste activity was estimated to cost more than £600 million in England alone, with the figure for the UK likely to be much higher.

    The Environment Agency’s permitting system enables businesses to carry out their operations, while robust regulation is in place to prevent them being undercut by irresponsible or illegal operators.

    In March last year, Charles, of Caldicot Gardens, in Grantham, was convicted by Lincoln crown court after pleading guilty to 2 counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    He also admitted 2 counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    On 22 May, Lincoln crown court ordered Charles to pay £82,100 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following an Environment Agency investigation into the costs he avoided while working illegally.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Matlock flood defence completed and flood protection reinstated [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Matlock flood defence completed and flood protection reinstated [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 23 May 2023.

    The Environment Agency’s major project to reinstate the flood defences in Matlock has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the flood wall.

    The flood wall provides protection from the River Derwent in Matlock for 50 homes and businesses. Construction work on the flood wall started in August 2022, with preparatory work starting earlier that year. It followed the collapse of a privately owned wall that was damaged after the February 2022 floods.

    The project is being delivered in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council.

    Work on the stone cladding to the wall has now started and will be completed this summer. It features Derbyshire stone sourced from a nearby quarry to cover the wall’s steel sheet piles and achieve a high-quality finish to maintain the heritage look and colour palette of the area.

    Naomi Doughty, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said:

    “We’ve reached a significant milestone by completing the flood defence and reinstating protection to the town from river flooding. It’s been a challenging construction due to a wet winter and complexity of working in a dynamic river environment but we’ve swiftly reinstated flood protection to homes and businesses.

    “Our attention has now turned to cladding the steel sheet piles to create a high-quality finish using locally sourced materials that are in-keeping with the historic environment. This will provide a lasting legacy for people of Matlock to feel proud of.

    “We’re aiming to complete the aesthetic work over the summer, with the aim of fully completing the project in the Autumn.

    “We are working with Derbyshire County Council on a plan which will see the A6 reopened in early September and Matlock Bridge reopened to single lane traffic.

    “We would like to thank the local community for their continued support and understanding throughout these essential flood defence works and apologise for the temporary disruption caused by the construction works.”

    More information about the project can be found at: Matlock Flood Wall – Environment Agency – Citizen Space (environment-agency.gov.uk)

    Background

    Over 200 cubic metres of low-carbon concrete has been poured to construct the Matlock flood wall, with approximately 8 tonnes of steel reinforcement.

    Due to the construction challenges with driving piles into the Derbyshire limestone, the project costs are now expected at £10m.

    The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council to reinstate the river flood protection following the collapse of a wall behind businesses on Crown Square, Matlock after the February 2022 storms compromised the defences and left Matlock vulnerable to river flooding.

    Following the collapse of the privately owned wall, an immediate repair was carried out by placing over 50 rock-filled bags in the River Derwent using a large crane situated on the A6. Further flood prevention work was carried out in April which involved lifting an additional 100 2-tonne rock-filled bags by a large crane situated on the A6 into the River Derwent to reduce erosion and limit damage to the Environment Agency flood wall that sits next to the collapsed privately owned wall.

    Working throughout the winter season, the project has encountered many construction challenges, including the wettest March on record for 40 years, with rising water levels requiring the demobilisation of the working platform 7 times.

    The A6 between Matlock Bridge and the train station car park is closed to all users (pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles) until completion of the works later this summer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Suspended sentence for father Michael Joseph Richards who ran illegal waste firm with son [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Suspended sentence for father Michael Joseph Richards who ran illegal waste firm with son [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 22 May 2023.

    A father who ran an illegal waste business with his son at their home in Cornwall was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence by magistrates.

    Michael Joseph Richards, 59, now living at Menorca Lane, Bugle, appeared for sentence on two charges relating to the illegal waste business that he and his son, also called Michael, ran at their then home at The Paddocks, St Stephen’s Road, Sticker.

    Richards Senior was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 18 May 2023.

    Richards Junior was fined for three offences relating to the business last month. Richards Senior was also ordered to pay half of the £4,397.75 costs awarded previously.

    In a case brought by the Environment Agency both men had admitted offences relating to running a waste site without a permit.

    An investigation was launched by the Environment Agency following a fire at the site where building and household waste, including plasterboard, timber, cement bags, rigid insulation, electrical appliances, furniture and plastic household objects had been kept.

    Surrounding the fire was more waste debris including radiators, fridges and a caravan. The fire was close to a gas tank and the main A390 road which meant there was the potential for causing a smoke hazard.

    Magistrates said that waste crime is one of the worst types of offending that comes before them and that Richards failed to supervise what was happening on his land.

    Following the hearing, Stephen Clark from the Environment Agency said:

    We’re pleased with the outcome of this case. Mr Richards Senior had a previous similar conviction. This sends out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.

    Background

    Michael Richards Senior pleaded guilty to two charges:

    Between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, permitted the carrying on of a waste operation, on land known as The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

    Contrary to regulations 38(1)(b) and 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

    Between the 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, deposited, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the deposit of controlled waste including mixed building and household waste on land, namely The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

    Contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £7 million beach management reduces flood risk for Lincolnshire [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £7 million beach management reduces flood risk for Lincolnshire [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 10 May 2023.

    Annual works by the Environment Agency to reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities has now started (8 May).

    Over the next 6 to 7 weeks, around 400,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point. Thus, reducing the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities.

    The Environment Agency’s annual beach management sees sand dredged from licensed areas of the seabed. This is then pumped onto the beach to replace levels naturally lost to the sea throughout the year. This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.

    Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them.

    The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry.

    Deborah Campbell, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    As well as reducing the risk of flooding to 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land. The work helps maintain the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.

    But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive free flood warnings.

    Starting at Huttoft on 8 May, the work will progress along the coast in stages at these approximate dates (subject to change):

    • Huttoft, 8 to 12 May.
    • Mablethorpe, 13 to 15 May.
    • Trusthorpe, 16 to 23 May.
    • Sutton on Sea, 24 to 25 May.
    • Boygrift, 26 to 31 May.
    • Chapel Six Marshes, 1 June to 5 June.
    • Trunch Lane, 6 June to 11 June.
    • Ingoldmells, 11 June to 15 June.
    • Wolla Bank, 15 June to 18 June.

    People visiting these beaches on days that work is under way are asked to stay clear of the worksites.
    The £7 million beach management work is funded as part of the Environment Agency’s capital programme. The programme is a record £5.2 billion government investment in England’s flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties by 2027.

    The Environment Agency urges people to plan ahead for flooding. They can find out if their property is in an at-risk area by signing up for free flood warnings. Further information on all these steps and more is available at GOV.UK/Flood and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.