Menu
30/07/2003
Polluters deserve harsher penalties, says Environmental Agency
The Environment Agency has warned that higher fines and more prosecutions are failing to stop multi-million pound businesses from committing environmental crimes.
The warning comes as the Environment Agency published 'Spotlight on business environmental performance 2002' – its fifth annual report on good and bad environmental behaviour by businesses in England and Wales.
Repeat offenders, who make up 20% of this year’s list of poor performers, had "failed to learn from previous convictions", the agency said. Despite fines increasing by 36% and prosecutions by 13%, the average fine per prosecution rose to just £8,744 - which the agency believes is not enough to deter major companies.
Significant repeat offenders in 2002 include United Utilities (£327,500), Anglian Water Services Ltd (£285,000), Thames Water Utilities Ltd (£135,000), BP Oil (UK) Ltd (£60,000), TotalFinaElf (£54,000), 3C Waste Ltd (£17,000) and Tesco Stores Ltd (£10,000); all were top offenders in 2001 too.
Many are UK stock market listed companies and claim to be leaders in corporate social responsibility, the agency said.
However, overall there was a 21% cut in serious pollution incidents caused by businesses (down from 1,854 in 2001 to 1,468 in 2002), as well as significant reductions in emissions of key pollutants.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: "Courts are getting tougher on environmental offenders – but fines are still small change for big business. The Environment Agency is leading the world in developing new and inventive ways to help encourage environmental-sound behaviour by big business."
(GMcG)
The warning comes as the Environment Agency published 'Spotlight on business environmental performance 2002' – its fifth annual report on good and bad environmental behaviour by businesses in England and Wales.
Repeat offenders, who make up 20% of this year’s list of poor performers, had "failed to learn from previous convictions", the agency said. Despite fines increasing by 36% and prosecutions by 13%, the average fine per prosecution rose to just £8,744 - which the agency believes is not enough to deter major companies.
Significant repeat offenders in 2002 include United Utilities (£327,500), Anglian Water Services Ltd (£285,000), Thames Water Utilities Ltd (£135,000), BP Oil (UK) Ltd (£60,000), TotalFinaElf (£54,000), 3C Waste Ltd (£17,000) and Tesco Stores Ltd (£10,000); all were top offenders in 2001 too.
Many are UK stock market listed companies and claim to be leaders in corporate social responsibility, the agency said.
However, overall there was a 21% cut in serious pollution incidents caused by businesses (down from 1,854 in 2001 to 1,468 in 2002), as well as significant reductions in emissions of key pollutants.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: "Courts are getting tougher on environmental offenders – but fines are still small change for big business. The Environment Agency is leading the world in developing new and inventive ways to help encourage environmental-sound behaviour by big business."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 May 2004
Environment Agency warns of low eel and salmon stocks
The Environment Agency has announced that anglers can find fish in more rivers than at any time in the past century. However, the Our Nations’ Fisheries report conducted by the agency, also warned that stocks of certain fish species are at dangerously low levels.
Environment Agency warns of low eel and salmon stocks
The Environment Agency has announced that anglers can find fish in more rivers than at any time in the past century. However, the Our Nations’ Fisheries report conducted by the agency, also warned that stocks of certain fish species are at dangerously low levels.
25 February 2014
Farmers' Union Says Flooding Their Land Is 'Ludicrous'
A proposal to direct flood waters to farm land on high ground has been condemned by the National Farmers' Union (FMU), who say the idea is "ludicrous".
Farmers' Union Says Flooding Their Land Is 'Ludicrous'
A proposal to direct flood waters to farm land on high ground has been condemned by the National Farmers' Union (FMU), who say the idea is "ludicrous".
17 November 2003
New agency to tackle crime against businesses
Thousands of businesses could be in line to benefit from the creation of a new national action group to tackle crime, the Home Office announced today. The Action Against Business Crime Group is a joint venture between the Home Office and the British Retail Consortium designed to "boost the work of local business crime partnerships".
New agency to tackle crime against businesses
Thousands of businesses could be in line to benefit from the creation of a new national action group to tackle crime, the Home Office announced today. The Action Against Business Crime Group is a joint venture between the Home Office and the British Retail Consortium designed to "boost the work of local business crime partnerships".
03 February 2014
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
29 July 2013
Flood Risks Highlighted As Thunderstorms Replace The Hot Weather
As thunderstorms batter parts of the UK following the three-week long heatwave, the Met Office are warning of flood risks and property damage. However, the hot weather is forecasted to return later in the week, with temperatures up to 30C expected in the south-east. Two flood warnings are currently in place in England and Wales.
Flood Risks Highlighted As Thunderstorms Replace The Hot Weather
As thunderstorms batter parts of the UK following the three-week long heatwave, the Met Office are warning of flood risks and property damage. However, the hot weather is forecasted to return later in the week, with temperatures up to 30C expected in the south-east. Two flood warnings are currently in place in England and Wales.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost for some and some fog patches in places. Cloudier around the coast of Country Down where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
