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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
