24 Nov 2022
Investigations into possible unauthorised discharges at thousands of wastewater treatment works
On 18 November 2021, the Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat announced separate major investigations into possible unauthorised discharges at thousands of wastewater treatment works. The Environment Agency is now investigating more than 2,200 wastewater treatment works (WWTW) that discharge into English waters. This relates to all water and sewage companies. The Environment Agency’s initial assessment indicates that […]
24 Nov 2022
UK nature agencies set out vision to avoid ‘profound threat to humanity’s future’
UK Nature agencies set out roadmap to protect nature to underpin food security, climate security and water security. In a joint statement the UK’s six official nature conservation bodies said that there has never been a more critical time to invest in restoring and enhancing nature across the UK and stressed how the economy cannot […]
24 Nov 2022
Work completed on Ouse Washes protects thousands of homes
A multi-million pound project to raise the Middle Level Barrier Bank of the Ouse Washes Flood Storage Reservoir has been completed. Following 6 years of construction, the project maintains the standard of flood protection to more than 2,000 properties and 67,000ha of agricultural land. The raising of the bank on the vitally-important reservoir was carried […]
17 Nov 2022
Environment Agency has ‘no idea’ how much water is taken
Interesting piece in The Guardian The government has “no idea” how much water is being taken from rivers and groundwater, according to an Environment Agency (EA) whistleblower, as swathes of England remain in drought despite recent heavy rainfall. The whistleblower told the Guardian that the EA’s regulation of water abstraction points for farms, small businesses and private […]
15 Nov 2022
Independent panel set up to investigate North East crustacean deaths
An independent panel of external experts is to be set up to assess the evidence surrounding the deaths of large numbers of crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, on the North East coast between September and December 2021. In a letter to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer confirmed Defra’s […]
15 Nov 2022
Championing Coastal Coordination: new call for expressions of interest
The Championing Coastal Coordination (3Cs) initiative is a programme of work that is being led by the Environment Agency with support from Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs). It is a collaboration seeking to enhance and progress coordination for coastal sustainability and resilience […]
09 Nov 2022
Climate change in action – Flooding and drought expected together
More floods expected during ongoing drought Reported on the BBC and in the Guardian Weather patterns may lead to flooding in February, Met Office warns Global weather patterns may lead to severe flooding in February despite England remaining in drought, the Met Office has said. Two-thirds of people at risk of flooding were unaware of […]