Water pollution: Watchdog accuses Defra of major legal failings over sewage pollution

Michael Holder
clock • 6 min read
Credit: iStock
Image:

Credit: iStock

Office for Environmental Protection warns Defra, the Environment Agency, and Ofwat could face court action unless immediate efforts are made to remedy alleged breaches of laws governing sewage overflows

The government and regulators have been accused of major breaches of environmental laws governing sewage pollution by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), which today warned they could face court...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

Michael Holder
Author spotlight

Michael Holder

Editor

View profile
More from Michael Holder

'Snow joke': UK now has enough offshore wind capacity 'to roast three million turkeys'

Uber and Lyft eye electric 'robotaxi' trials on UK roads in 2026

More on Legislation

'Build, baby, build': Government's flagship Planning and Infrastructure Act enters info force
Legislation

'Build, baby, build': Government's flagship Planning and Infrastructure Act enters info force

Sweeping planning reforms receive Royal Assent, as government confirms further details of how its new Nature Restoration Fund will seek to compensate for negative impacts from development

Michael Holder
Michael Holder
clock 19 December 2025 • 6 min read
As Washington retreats, states step up their climate oversight
Legislation

As Washington retreats, states step up their climate oversight

With major climate reporting deadlines in California, a flurry of activity at New York Climate Week and the progress of new legislation elsewhere, it's clear state-level efforts continue at pace

Catherine Atkin, Carbon Accountable
clock 10 December 2025 • 3 min read
Government confirms ban on plastic wet wipes
Legislation

Government confirms ban on plastic wet wipes

Legislation enabling ban on plastic wet wipes comes into force, as government urges consumers to 'bin not flush' all kinds of wet wipe

Amber Rolt
clock 18 November 2025 • 3 min read