defrablogs

Understanding drought: applying science to protect people and nature 

Posted by: , and , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Drought, Environment Agency, Science, Water
Photo shows EA scientists testing bathing water samples in a lab

By Dr Rob Bradburne, Environment Agency Chief Scientist  How does climate change affect drought?   This summer has been a reminder that climate change is no longer something we talk about in terms of future generations.  For many people, this summer …

Environmental permits: why they matter and how we're making it quicker to get one 

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Flood, Regulated industry, Waste

Every year, the Environment Agency processes over 13,000 permit applications.   These decisions cover an enormous range of activity. From a small waste transfer site to permits regulating how the nation handles nuclear waste, every single one matters because they protect …

How we're monitoring illegal waste sites and managing environmental risk 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Waste crime

How we investigate illegal waste sites  Waste crime is serious crime. It harms communities, undercuts legitimate waste businesses and can damage the environment.  The Environment Agency investigates illegal waste activity in England. Our role is to assess and manage environmental risks, identify those responsible, …

Waste site watchlist: Improving transparency with communities  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Waste

Waste crime is serious crime - blighting local communities, harming the environment and undermining legitimate businesses.   In May, we have published a national watchlist of high priority waste sites in England, as part of the Environment Agency’s enhanced response to tackle the issue.   …

How does science support sustainable places and pathways to net zero?  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Nature, Science
Rolling green hills around the Greenbooth Reservoir, with wind turbines in the background and a house in the foreground.

By Dr Gina Cavan, Lead Scientist for Land Research  Achieving net zero by 2050, the UK’s legally binding target, will be a national effort. All parts of the country will contribute in different ways. Areas rich in natural resources will …

Raising the standard for water efficiency in the east of England 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Climate change, Drought, Environment Agency, Water
Example of a housing development including sustainable drainage systems and accessible green space/green infrastructure

Water is essential for people, businesses and the environment. Unless it is carefully managed, England will run out of this precious resource at the times we most need it. As demand for water increases in response to population growth, the …

How can I report water pollution and odour problems online? New service puts environmental action at your fingertips.

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Water
An image of a watercourse with rubbish dumped in it, with a mobile phone superimposed featuring the reporting page on gov.uk.

The new ‘Report an environmental problem' service is now live on GOV.UK, making it easier than ever to report water and odour pollution to the Environment Agency (EA) across England. The new online service enhances our existing telephone incident hotline …

Working together to protect and restore the Mimram catchment

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Invasive species, Nature, Rivers, Water
Drone footage of the River Mimram flowing underneath Digswell railway viaduct.

Thanks to funding from the Environment Agency, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has appointed Heidi Mansell as the new Chalk Rivers and Farm Advisory Officer to lead crucial efforts to restore and protect the River Mimram—one of Hertfordshire’s rare and …