Press release: Environmental performance of business continues to improve report shows

Every year, the regulator publishes its Regulating for People, the Environment and Growth (RPEG) report which sets out the regulatory performance of businesses holding environmental permits in England and the effectiveness of the EA’s regulatory approach.

The report shows that 93% of the 14,000 businesses the EA regulates demonstrated good compliance with their environmental permit conditions. Businesses which harmed the environment, however faced record penalties. A total of £25.5 million in fines were issued by the courts for environmental offences brought by the Agency compared to £8 million last year.

Waste crime continues to blight communities, cause environmental harm, and undercut legitimate business. The Environment Agency is closing more than two illegal waste sites every day but discovering a similar number of new illegal sites. The report acknowledges waste crime is becoming more organised and that more needs to be done. This will be addressed in the government’s forthcoming organised waste crime review, which has examined how the Environment Agency, partners, and the law enforcement system can best tackle the problem.

The report also highlights the increased use of Enforcement Undertakings for less serious environmental incidents. In 2017/18 there were a record £2.2 million worth of Enforcement Undertakings accepted by the Agency. By companies admitting liability and making a financial contribution to put right the harm they have caused, both the environment and communities benefit.

Other key findings include:

  • 812 illegal waste sites were shutdown in 2017/18; more than 2 a day.
  • Serious pollution incidents fell to 419, down 18% compared to 2016.
  • The number of persistently poorly managed sites reduced by 18% compared to 2016.
  • Environmental charities, organisations and projects received almost £2.2 million, compared to £0.9 million in 2016, in Enforcement Undertakings.

Harvey Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Environment Agency, said:

Our regulation is supporting a healthier environment and safer communities – serious pollution incidents fell by 18%. We closed down over 800 illegal waste sites, and the courts have imposed record levels of fines on companies for environmental offences.

We are committed to supporting businesses to innovate and grow, in return, we expect that businesses take their responsibilities to protecting the environment seriously.

The report can be found here



Press release: Environmental performance of business continues to improve report shows

The environmental performance of regulated businesses across the country continues to improve, according to latest figures released from the Environment Agency (EA) today.



Internationally recognised scientist Tracy Shimmield appointed chair of the new Orkney Research and Innovation Campus

Dr Tracy Shimmield has been appointed as the chair of the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC).



SEPA invites you to help ensure Tyre Sector Plan is on the right track

date12 October 2018

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plans for tyres.

  • SEPA is consulting on its sector plan for tyres which will encourage innovation and shape how the agency regulates the industry.
  • With approximately 100 tyres turned into waste every 15 minutes in Scotland SEPA is committed to working with partners to eliminate the problem of waste tyres.
  • Consultees are being urged to have their say on the plans before 20 November.

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plans for tyres.

SEPA’s sector plans will be at the heart of everything the agency does and will shape its interactions with sectors and the businesses in them. The sector plan for tyres aims to bring a clear and co-ordinated approach to regulation, focusing SEPA on delivery and using its staff more powerfully to engage.

Scotland’s registered 2.9 million vehicles generate more than 4.2 million used tyres per year, 84% of which are light van and passenger vehicle tyres. 

With approximately 100 tyres turned into waste every 15 minutes in Scotland SEPA launched a major strategic partnership last year to eliminate the problem of waste tyres.

The tyre sector plan is the next step in encouraging the industry to create economic opportunities from the resource as well as tackling the ongoing waste tyre issue and criminal behaviours the industry can attract. SEPA is clear that compliance is non-negotiable. The ambitious sector plan will support the agency to build upon its work to reduce the potential impacts which the illegal storage of waste tyres can have on the environment, local communities and legitimate businesses and will make sure all operators meet minimum standards.

The sector plan outlines how SEPA proposes to work with businesses to turn challenges into environmental opportunities from the design and production of tyres, to extending and prolonging the valuable life of tyres on vehicles, to innovative new ways to recycle and recover value from waste tyres. 

Consultees have until 20 November 2018 to share their views on the sector plan for tyres which is available on SEPA’s Consultation Hub.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we are clear that compliance is non-negotiable. We are transforming our regulatory approach in order to create a world-class environment protection agency fit for the challenges of tomorrow, and sector planning will drive this new approach.

“This sector plan is an important next step in eliminating the problem of waste tyres and presents many opportunities encouraging businesses to think about going beyond compliance and creating commercial success from environmental excellence and innovation in the industry.

“It is important that we have the views of as many people as possible across Scotland on the sector plan for tyres to ensure we get this right. If you have an interest in the environment please read the documents and tell us what you think.”

Ends



SEPA invites you to share your views on sector plan for oil and gas decommissioning

date12 October 2018

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plan for the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry.

•  SEPA is consulting on its sector plan for the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry.
•  Between 2016 and 2030 at least 60% of the oil and gas installations in the northern and central North Sea will be decommissioned.
•  Consultees are being urged to have their say on the plan before 20 November.

Everyone with an interest in the environment is being encouraged to share their views on SEPA’s sector plan for the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry.

SEPA’s sector plans will be at the heart of everything the agency does and will shape its interactions with sectors and the businesses in them. The sector plan for oil and gas decommissioning aims to bring a clear and co-ordinated approach to regulation, focusing SEPA on delivery and using its staff more powerfully to engage.

Between 2016 and 2030 at least 60% of the oil and gas installations in the northern and central North Sea will be decommissioned. As Scotland competes to win decommissioning contracts, there is potential for at least 480,000 tonnes of material to be brought to Scotland for processing. The sector plan aims to ensure that all operators meet a minimum standard of environmental compliance and as many as possible go further.

The incentives for Scottish businesses are massive with the Scottish Government recently making an additional £5 million available to the supply chain in Scotland to help maximise the economic benefit from the decommissioning of North Sea infrastructure.

Operators and regulators will need to work together to ensure, whether within Scotland, the UK or abroad, that infrastructure is processed at well-equipped yards which offer a high degree of environmental protection.

SEPA’s sector plan for oil and gas decommissioning focuses on how the agency will work directly with oil and gas operators, waste operators, Port Authorities, trade bodies and also other environmental agencies, regulators and government bodies to facilitate a consistent approach to this emerging sector.

Consultees have until 20 November 2018 to respond to the consultation which is available to view on SEPA’s Consultation Hub.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

“Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we are clear that compliance is non-negotiable. We are transforming our regulatory approach in order to create a world-class environment protection agency fit for the challenges of tomorrow, and sector planning will drive this new approach.

“The sector plan for the emerging oil and gas decommissioning industry realises that Scotland needs a 21st century regulator that will encourage businesses to think about going beyond compliance and creating commercial success from environmental excellence.

“It is important that we have the views of as many people as possible across Scotland on this sector plan to ensure we get this right. If you have an interest in the environment please read the documents and tell us what you think.”

Regulators’ Pioneer Fund

Last week it was announced that SEPA will receive funding from the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund for a decommissioning regulatory hub. This will bring together operating companies and multiple regulators (from the oil and gas industry and the waste supply chain) to address cross-cutting areas, share best practices, create innovative solutions and manage the associated risks together.

Commenting on the funding which SEPA received from the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund Allan Reid, SEPA’s Director of Commercial Services, said: 

“The decommissioning hub will help implement SEPA’s sector plan by addressing cross cutting areas, and driving the potential to reduce, re-use and recycle materials. This will ultimately develop knowledge and experience across the sector and help deliver economic growth, health and safety as well as environmental improvements.”

Ends