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When pollution leads to prosecution

Article Abstract:

Companies which cause pollution are dealt with under environmental legislation in the United Kingdom and can be either charged to remedy the cause of pollution or prosecuted. Pollution includes excessive noise, water and food contamination and poor waste disposal. Directors of companies can be imprisoned for up to five years or fined if the offences are deemed to be of a serious nature. Company directors can be held liable for pollution if it can be proved they had knowledge of the act of pollution or if they had not put into action plans to prevent its occurrence.

United Kingdom, Interpretation and construction, Corporate directors, Liability for environmental damages, Environmental policy, Environmental law

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Dutch get down to earth

Article Abstract:

The Dutch Netherland Onderzoeksprogramma Biotechnologische In-situ Sanersing (NOBIS) has been set up as a method of treating contaminated land, particularly land which is polluted with organic substances. The UK authorities, are also considering new methods of cleaning contaminated land. Removing contaminated soil is expensive and merely transfers the problem onto another site. The NOBIS project is supported by companies, such as Shell and Dutch Railways. The process allows for the on site biodegradation of chlorinated solvents, which are very harmful to humans.

Management, Netherlands, Control

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Clarifying contamination

Article Abstract:

There remains considerable uncertainty about the UK government's approach to the regulation of contaminated land, even though its policy on this issue was set down in the 'Framework' document of 1994. Three internal drafts contain details of the planned regulatory system set down in the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, but no formal consultation draft has yet been issued. However, the three drafts are largely consistent, and therefore give a reasonable indication of how the government is likely to proceed on this issue.

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