Environment Agency

Coordinating regulation for major infrastructure: Lead Environmental Regulator pilots 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Regulated industry, Uncategorized
A stretch of newly laid railway track.

The LER programme is currently being tested across a small number of projects to learn what works, identify where improvements are needed and inform any longer-term implementation. This blog sets out what the Lead Environmental Regulator approach involves, introduces each EA-led pilot currently underway, and shares early reflections on what we are learning.  

Media coverage on enforcement undertakings

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Uncategorized, Water
Image of a stream with low bridge and fields in the background.

Recent, entirely misleading coverage by Channel 4 claims that the Environment Agency has prioritised the use of enforcement undertakings, rather than criminal prosecutions, against water companies for serious pollution incidents. We completely reject this characterisation. Enforcement undertakings represent one of …

Digital Waste Tracking goes live: a major step forward in stopping waste crime

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Greener business, Regulated industry, Waste
A person in a hi-vis jacket inputs info into a tablet computer whilst looking at waste glass bottles.

From 28 April 2026, permitted operators receiving waste onto their site are encouraged to start using the new digital service to record receipt of waste. This marks the start of a phased transition for everyone involved in the handling of waste to record waste movements digitally.

Inspecting water companies: a day in the life of an Environment Agency Water Industry Regulation Officer 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Water
An Environment Agency officer makes notes on an inspection sheet.

When I stepped into my new role with the Environment Agency’s Water Industry Regulation team, covering Kidderminster and Tewkesbury, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Six months on, I can confidently say that this has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening periods of my career so far. 

Holtec small modular reactor completes nuclear regulators’ design assessment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nuclear

As regulators of the nuclear industry, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) are working together to make sure that any new nuclear power stations built in the UK meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.

Improving regulation worldwide: our international role and why it matters

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Nuclear, Regulated industry, Science, Uncategorized
Two Environment Agency colleagues in front of a nuclear power station in Hartlepool.

Protecting the environment in an interconnected world means looking beyond our own borders. Air pollution, climate change, emerging chemicals, radioactive substances and waste crime all present challenges that require shared expertise and harmonised regulatory action across countries. That's why the Environment Agency plays an active and increasing international role - sharing knowledge, learning from new …

Protecting homes, businesses and communities: our commitment to flood resilience  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Flood
View of rock armour over the defences at Preston

Flooding is one of the most devastating experiences a community can face. The loss of a home, a business, or simply the sense of safety and security in the place you live leaves a mark that lasts long after the water has receded.

Launching BluePrint: Expanding citizen science across England's waterways 

A river surrounded by lush vegetation.

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a new digital tool that lets you report on the health of your local rivers, lakes and beaches in real-time, directly from your phone.  BluePrint, developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Hello Lamp Post, builds on the success of WaterWatch - a year-long pilot that gathered public observations at five bathing water sites. Now, the concept is going national.