Expert environmental compliance solicitors for environmental permits, waste regulations, contaminated land and environmental prosecutions.
Free quotes • No obligation • SRA regulated solicitors
Environmental compliance is increasingly complex with severe penalties for breaches. Environmental prosecutions can result in unlimited fines and director imprisonment, making specialist legal advice essential for protecting your business and the environment.
Key Environmental Regulations:
Regulatory Authorities:
Types of Environmental Permits:
Permit Application Process:
Waste Hierarchy Requirements:
Duty of Care Obligations:
Contaminated Land Regime:
Liability Framework:
Carbon Reporting Requirements:
Net Zero Strategy Development:
Environment Agency Powers:
Recent Penalty Trends:
Manufacturing & Industrial:
Construction & Development:
Retail & Commercial:
Transaction Environmental Reviews:
Environmental Management Systems:
Permits and Licensing:
Compliance and Management:
Investigation and Remediation:
Professional environmental legal advice is essential for navigating complex regulations while supporting sustainable business growth and protecting the environment for future generations.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.
Connect with qualified specialists who understand your situation
Find Your SolicitorCommon questions about environmental compliance and how our solicitors can help
Climate reporting requirements depend on your business size and sector. Large companies must comply with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), and potentially Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Some participate in UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) or Climate Change Agreements. Requirements include annual energy and carbon reporting, energy audits, and climate risk disclosures. Professional advice ensures compliance with complex and evolving requirements.
Environmental permit requirements depend on your business activities. You may need permits for industrial processes, waste operations, water abstraction or discharge, radioactive materials, or mining activities. The Environmental Permitting Regulations cover most activities that could impact the environment. Common permits include standard rules permits for routine activities and bespoke permits for complex operations. Environmental permit applications require technical assessments, stakeholder consultation, and can take 4-6 months. Professional advice ensures you obtain the correct permits.
Waste duty of care requires you to prevent illegal disposal of your business waste. You must: store waste securely, only transfer waste to authorized persons, provide accurate waste transfer notes, take reasonable steps to prevent illegal disposal, and keep records for 2 years. You're responsible for your waste from production to final disposal. Failure to meet duty of care obligations can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and cleanup costs. Professional waste management contracts and proper documentation are essential.
Environmental penalties are severe and unlimited in Crown Court. Recent prosecutions show fines ranging from £100,000 to £2 million for serious breaches, with some exceeding £20 million. Directors can face imprisonment up to 5 years and disqualification from company management. Additional costs include Environment Agency investigation expenses, remediation costs (often exceeding £5 million), civil compensation claims, and confiscation orders under Proceeds of Crime Act. Professional compliance advice is essential for avoiding these severe consequences.
Contaminated land liability can arise if your land poses significant harm to human health or the environment. Liability falls on those who caused contamination (Class A) or current owners/occupiers (Class B). Assessment involves identifying potential contamination sources, pathways to receptors, and actual harm or pollution risks. Liability can include remediation costs (often millions), ongoing monitoring, and property restrictions. Professional environmental assessments and legal advice are essential for understanding and managing contaminated land risks.
An effective environmental management system should include: environmental policy and objectives, legal compliance procedures, risk assessment and impact evaluation, operational controls and procedures, training and competence requirements, monitoring and measurement systems, internal audit programs, and continuous improvement processes. ISO 14001 provides an internationally recognized framework. The system should be tailored to your business activities and environmental aspects. Professional guidance ensures comprehensive coverage and effective implementation.
Cooperate fully with Environment Agency investigators as they have extensive legal powers, but contact an environmental law solicitor immediately. Investigators can access sites, take samples, require documents, interview staff, and issue enforcement notices. Ensure someone senior accompanies investigators, take detailed notes, preserve all relevant documents, and avoid admissions or speculation. Professional legal representation helps protect your interests while maintaining necessary cooperation with regulators.
Achieving net zero requires comprehensive strategy including: greenhouse gas emissions baseline assessment, science-based targets setting, energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy procurement, sustainable supply chain development, and carbon offset strategies. Legal considerations include compliance with reporting requirements, contract terms for renewable energy, carbon credit arrangements, and governance structures. Professional advice ensures your net zero strategy meets legal requirements while supporting business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Farms may need environmental permits for intensive livestock operations, waste treatment facilities, anaerobic digestion plants, water discharge activities, groundwater abstractions, and certain agricultural waste operations depending on size and activity thresholds.
Environmental penalties include unlimited fines, imprisonment up to 5 years for serious offences, civil monetary penalties up to £300,000, enforcement undertakings, permit revocation, and costs for investigation and remediation work.
Slurry spreading is generally permitted agricultural activity but must comply with Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules, Farming Rules for Water, cross-compliance requirements, and timing restrictions. Large pig and poultry operations may need specific permits.
Immediately contain the pollution, prevent further contamination, notify the Environment Agency pollution hotline (0800 80 70 60), document the incident, take remedial action, and seek legal advice for enforcement procedures and liability issues.
Comply through proper slurry storage with SSAFO regulations, nutrient management planning, buffer strips near watercourses, appropriate application timing and rates, and maintaining records of applications and soil testing.
Cross-compliance links agricultural subsidies to environmental and animal welfare standards including Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards covering soil, water, landscape and biodiversity protection.
Yes, most environmental enforcement actions can be appealed through formal procedures, but strict time limits apply. Appeals may go to the Planning Inspectorate, First-tier Tribunal, or Crown Court depending on the type of enforcement action.
Environmental permit costs vary significantly: standard permits £1,800-£6,200, bespoke permits £25,000-£100,000+, plus legal and consultancy costs £1,500-£15,000. Annual subsistence charges range from £99-£31,000 depending on permit type.
Speak directly with a qualified environmental compliance solicitor
Get Expert AdviceGetting environmental compliance help has never been easier. Our simple process connects you with the right legal expertise.
Tell us about your environmental compliance situation and requirements using our simple enquiry form.
We connect you with qualified environmental compliance solicitors who have the right expertise for your case.
Review proposals from multiple solicitors and choose the one that's right for you and your budget.
Work directly with your chosen environmental compliance solicitor to resolve your legal matter successfully.
Expert environmental compliance advice and guidance from our network of qualified solicitors
A comprehensive guide to environmental compliance procedures, timelines, and what to expect from start to finish.
Learn about the most frequent environmental compliance errors and how professional legal help can prevent costly mistakes.
Understand environmental compliance fees, payment structures, and how to budget for your legal matter.
Join thousands of clients who have found the right environmental compliance legal help through SolicitorConnect. Get free quotes from qualified specialists today.
Start Your Environmental Compliance Enquiry NowFree • No obligation • SRA regulated solicitors • 4.8★ average rating
Connect with qualified environmental compliance specialists
Free quotes • No obligation • Expert help
