Bio-beads: what are they, what are they used for and what risk do they pose to the environment? 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Cleaner Seas, Environment Agency, Regulated industry, Water, Water Monitoring
A handful of bio-beads.

On the week of 3 November a vast number of small black plastic pellets started to wash up on the beach at Camber Sands in East Sussex. It immediately, and naturally, drew considerable concern from the public and local community. …

World first as GE Vernova completes Step 2 generic design assessment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nuclear, Regulated industry, Uncategorized

We’ve just announced that GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy is the first company in the world to successfully complete our two step generic design assessment (GDA) process. Its BWRX-300 reactor design, a 300 megaWatt electrical (MWe) boiling water reactor, has been issued with a Step 2 statement. What does this mean and what have we …

Bathing Season 2025 storm overflow EDM data analysed

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: EDM, Environment Agency, Uncategorized, Water, Water Monitoring

Following the 2025 DEFRA bathing water classifications, we are sharing an update on storm overflow performance associated with bathing waters across England for the 2025 season (15 May to 30 September). This year has seen an overall improvement: both the …

How we're tackling illegal waste dumping and protecting our environment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Waste

Waste crime is completely unacceptable. We are working tirelessly with compliant businesses, operators and partners to protect our environment and communities from waste crime. We will always take decisive action to investigate and work with police to bring perpetrators to justice.

Navigating drought: Reflections on protecting waterways and supporting canal users 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Drought, Rivers, tourism
EA Chair Alan Lovell and staff from the Canal and Rivers Trust pose for a photo in front of Allington Lock, River Medway, Kent

As the summer boating season has drawn to a close, it’s a moment to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the past summer. Drought conditions have tested our waterways and infrastructure - but they’ve also revealed resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to protecting England’s canals and rivers.