Business & Education News - August 18, 2004

Progress on pollution

The number of cases of serious environmental pollution caused by industry in England and Wales dropped 12% to 613 in 2003, according to a United Kingdom Environment Agency report published in July. The farming and waste management sectors made notable progress, cutting the number of cases by 27% and by 25%, respectively. But pollution incidents in the water industry rose by 25%. Utility companies were the most frequent repeat offenders, prosecuted for letting sewage pollute lakes or streams. The agency’s chief executive, Barbara Young, said fines for environmental offenses are still far too low to present any serious consequences to polluters. Average fines decreased to £8400 (U.S. $15,460), which is £210 less than in 2002. However, Cleaning Services Group, Ltd., was fined £232,000 (U.S. $426,900), the biggest ever for illegal waste management in the United Kingdom. Spotlight on Business: Environmental Performance in 2003 is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/444255/833726.