Anglian Water guilty of failing to supply records to watchdog

A court has found Anglian Water guilty of “failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement to provide records requested by the Environment Agency”.

The request for records was one of several made by the agency under an ongoing investigation launched two years ago into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at wastewater treatment works.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 5 July 2024 at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

The investigation is examining potential breaches of environmental permit conditions by all water and sewerage companies operating in England. It is the largest criminal investigation the agency has undertaken to date with more than 2,000 wastewater treatment works being probed for potential non-compliance.

District Judge Kenneth Sheraton rejected both Anglian Water’s claim that it had a reasonable excuse for non-compliance and its plea of not guilty.

The agency said: “This ruling is an important step forward in our regulation and driving transparency from the water industry. Our investigation into potential cases of non-compliance across the sector continues.”

The agency reported that it has completed a review of evidence from 114 so-called 'indicator sites' which it has identified as “representative of all the wastewater treatment works where offending may have occurred.”

It said the sites cover works ranging in size, across each water company’s operating area, and discharging to differing environmental and amenity sensitivities. Each water company has had about ten site visits from agency investigators. After reviewing evidence gathered from the indicator site visits, the agency has, when needed, requested further information from water companies.

The agency said its investigation team has reviewed over 30,000 exhibits and taken over 700 statements. It is now approaching external witnesses for statements to help them further build their case. It said: “When the investigation is complete, we will consider all options available under our enforcement and sanction policy. Environmental permits exist to protect our environment and limit the impact of pollution; water companies have a legal responsibility to comply with their permit conditions.”