Environmental Regulations

As environmental consciousness rises among the general public, the reputational damage inflicted on organisations that breach environmental regulations can be catastrophic, in addition to the significant financial repercussions.For example, in 2017, Thames Water Utilities Ltd was ordered to pay an unprecedented £20,361,140.06 in fines and costs for a series of significant pollution incidents on the River Thames.

These offences were caused by negligence and led to the death of wildlife and distress to the public.

Contact me about your case

I have in-depth experience in defending individuals and organisations (both public and private) in both criminal and civil environmental law cases.  In the event of an environmental incident or disaster, I offer immediate emergency response, including expert management of media relations and interactions with investigating officers. I also ensure a thorough, independent investigation is conducted to determine the cause and impact of the incident.

What types of environmental regulations do I need to comply with?

Complying with domestic and international environmental law is crucial for many organisations working in waste, energy, transport, resource management, and construction etc.  Compliance with environmental regulations is also vital in order to retain company reputation and avoid negative publicity.

Environment regulation affects the following areas:

  • waste management and waste disposal requirements
  • the need for and compliance with environmental permits, licenses, registrations and exemptions
  • producer responsibility legislation such as WEEE, RoHS and Packaging Waste
  • the statutory contaminated land regime and water law
  • compliance with sustainability and carbon reduction requirements, including the Carbon Reduction Commitment
  • chemicals legislation, including REACH and CLP
  • statutory nuisance including noise, smoke fumes and vibration
  • hazardous substances
  • ecology and protection of habitats and species

Keeping up with changes in environmental law is difficult for companies focused on growth and attracting investment.  I can help manage your environmental risk and ongoing compliance, ensuring all stakeholders involved in your venture understand their duties and responsibilities.

What should I do if I am faced with allegations of breaching environment regulations?

Should there be non-compliance with environmental legislation, early advice is essential to prevent enforcement action being taken.

The Civil Sanctions regime has allowed for a large number of regulatory breaches to be dealt with by way of a civil remedy, thus avoiding the need for a court appearance and any subsequent adverse media attention.

When preventing enforcement action is not possible, I provide comprehensive advice on defending environmental prosecutions or appealing enforcement notices. My approach is characterised by robust, intelligent, and persuasive legal advocacy. I am known for constructing strong defenses and quickly identifying weaknesses in the opposition’s case. In civil litigation, I excel at developing effective case strategies and making use of tactics like Part 36 offers to achieve favourable outcomes.

Who are the main regulators for environmental law in the UK?

The principal environmental regulators and enforcing authorities are the Environment Agency (EA) (for England) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) for Wales.

Other bodies have related roles, including:

  • Natural England, for biodiversity, wildlife and habitats.
  • The Marine Management Organisation, for marine activities.
  • The Health & Safety Executive (HSE), for health and safety at work, including some environmental regimes, such as asbestos.

Local authorities have several environmental roles, including:

  • Regulating emissions and air, water and land from smaller industrial plants.
  • Collecting and disposing of municipal waste.

I have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with these agencies and have an in-depth understanding of their investigatory procedures. In addition, I have relationships with many expert witnesses in environmental law whom I can call on to support your defence.

Expert legal advice and representation are essential for environmental law non-compliance investigations, prosecutions, or civil litigation. You can instruct me directly or through your solicitor. If solicitor involvement is necessary, I will advise you accordingly and work closely with your chosen practitioner to safeguard your interests.

To discuss your circumstances and for a quote for legal representation, please contact us on 020 7036 0200. Alternatively, you can use the contact form or WhatsApp link for urgent legal advice. To book an appointment for a discussion, you can also email Tanveer directly on tanveer@tqlegal.co.uk and he will get back to you as soon as possible.

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HOW WE WIN

  • 1TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SITUATON

    Send me details of your case, including dates of any future hearings and previous court orders. I will assess your papers and review your situation.

    STEP 1 -min
  • 2MEETING ME IN CONFERENCE

    I will discuss your case in conference (in-person or video) and I will outline who & what action plans need to be put in place.

    STEP 3-min
  • 3CASE WORK

    This is where I start to work my experience and knowledge. Relevant drafting, lodging skeleton arguments and attending court. I will also liaise with the other side and enter into negotiations where appropriate.

    STEP 2-min

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