In November 2015, hundreds of dead fish were found in the River Amber in Derbyshire. Following an Environment Agency (EA) investigation, it was discovered that the pollution was caused by sodium hydroxide released from Ogston Water Treatment works which were operated by Severn Trent Water Limited. Five kilometres of river was affected and 300,000 fish were killed.  The EA has been monitoring the river’s recovery for the past two years.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching regulations 38(1) and 12(1) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010. Accordingly, on 19 April 2018 at Derby Crown Court, the company was fined £350,000, and ordered to pay EA costs of £68,003 and a victim surcharge of £120. The company co-operated fully with the EA investigation and has donated £228,000 to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

If you should have any questions about your legal obligations in relation to Environmental regulations and need a specialist environmental solicitor, call James Lowe, our Regulatory and Licensing Partner on 07833 240 400 for advice and assistance.