Hull’s new flood defences officially opened. Hull’s new Humber frontage flood defences which provide greater protection to 113,000 homes and businesses, as well as local infrastructure and other public amenities are being officially opened. The £42 million scheme is an investment that makes the city more resilient to the impacts of climate change. On 5 […]
On 18 November 2021, the Environment Agency and Ofwat announced major investigations into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at sewage treatment works. Below is an update from the EA on progress: The investigations were launched after companies revealed to us that they may be in breach of their permit conditions. This issue […]
An area of the River Thames in Oxford and a coastal area in the Isle of Wight have been put forward for bathing water status. Two popular swimming areas in the Isle of Wight and the River Thames in Oxford could become new bathing water sites under plans set out in consultations. Designated bathing waters are coastal or inland […]
Last week we covered the news of the completed investigation by Defra and partner agencies of the cause of dead crabs and lobsters which were found washed up on the North East coast between October and December 2021. Following significant testing and modelling to rule out possible causes, Defra and partner agencies consider that the deaths […]
Defra and partner agencies have completed a thorough investigation of the cause of dead crabs and lobsters which were found washed up on the North East coast between October and December 2021. Following significant testing and modelling to rule out possible causes, Defra and partner agencies consider that the deaths of the crabs and lobsters […]
Bathing water classifications for 2021 show that 99% of bathing waters in England have passed water quality standards following testing by the Environment Agency at over 400 designated sites. Of these, 94.7% of beaches and inland waters gained an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ rating while 4.3% achieved the minimum ‘Sufficient’ rating. This compares with 98.3% passing […]
How to regulate better after Brexit: Think differently, speak softly and carry a bigger stick Environment Agency Chief Executive Sir James Bevan’s speech at a Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum conference on future environmental standards. From the Guardian Staff blow whistle on Environment Agency that ‘no longer deters polluters’ Exclusive: Officers say cuts and […]
Interview with Emma Howard Boyd in the ever-exciting Civil Service World. Breaking records and battling for better water quality – Environment Agency’s Emma Howard Boyd reflects on 2021 2020 may have been a year like no other, but 2021 was a chip off the old block and relentless from day one. The EA chair tells […]