Environmental Health Prosecution Defence | EA Experts

Environment Agency investigations

Being investigated by the Environment Agency (EA) for a potential breach of the regulations can have a devastating effect on a businesses reputation and it is therefore vital that expert advice is obtained.

At Flint Bishop our regulatory and corporate defence team has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with environmental agency investigations and a comprehensive understanding of all environment related legislation.

We are able to deal with a wide variety of matters including:

waste management and disposal;
fly tipping;
discharges to surface water and groundwater (effluent) permits;
waste and environmental permits (such as waste carrier license); and
hazardous waste.

Our specialist Environment Agency solicitors have the experience to advise & defend you through every stage of an environmental investigation. Our environmental law solicitors in Leeds, Sheffield and York act for clients across the UK and will represent you and your business if you are subject to a notice from your local authority or the Environment Agency.

Environment Agency investigations

Waste management and disposal

Any waste that comes from a commercial activity is business waste and must be disposed of correctly. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) and other relevant UK laws regulate how waste should be managed.

The EA will monitor regulated activities and investigate any suspected breaches. The EA may also impose enforcement notices setting out conditions that must be satisfied in order to make a business or activity compliant. If such notices are not adhered to then you could find yourself or your business being prosecuted.

Fly tipping

Fly tipping is the illegal disposal of waste and can be from a householder or business. Whilst householders do not require a licence for waste, it is still an offence to dispose waste in a way that is harmful to the environment or for human health. A common example is when waste is simply dumped rather than taken to a tip.

This offence is taken seriously by the EA and if you are contacted and asked to attend an interview under caution then you should seek immediate expert legal advice.

Environment Agency investigations

Investigation

Your first contact with regards to being investigated may be a letter from the relevant authority inviting you to attend a meeting or an interview under caution. If you receive such a letter it is vital that you contact an expert solicitor to assist you as what you say during that interview may significantly effect the investigation and its outcome.

We will liaise with the relevant authority prior to the interview to obtain as much detail as possible about the alleged offences so that we can discuss this with you prior to the interview and ensure that you are fully prepared.

By having us as your legal representative you get the benefit of solicitors who understand what is involved in investigations and unlike many firms, are fully conversant with police station procedure.

Prosecution and court proceedings

If you or your business is being prosecuted then it is vital that you seek expert advice as soon as possible.

Whether it is chemical spills or other forms of pollution, Flint Bishop can advise you on the options open to yourself and your business and our aim is to avoid the negative consequences of being investigated or prosecuted.

Our team works closely with specialist advocates who can be instructed if necessary and we have established relationships with experts in the field to supply expert reports where appropriate.

Environment Agency Investigation Solicitors

Environment Agency investigations

How can we help? Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

Waste management and disposal

Fly tipping

Investigation

Prosecution and court proceedings

Services

We can also help you with

Competition law

Coroners' inquests

Corporate manslaughter

CQC investigations

Deferred prosecution agreements

Director disqualification

Furlough fraud

Health and safety/industrial accidents

ICO investigations

National Minimum Wage investigations

Trading Standards investigations

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