Environmental Investigations

An investigation by the Environment Agency, can have devastating impact upon businesses. As a result, it is important to take professional legal advice at an early stage to fully understand the investigative procedures, and your options in respect of both the investigation and any potential enforcement action.

Environment Agency investigations may involve issues surrounding waste and chemical disposal, water pollution, land contamination, and many more. The regulations surrounding these issues are often complex, and as such professional legal advice is hugely beneficial to those under investigation.

Regulatory Law differs from general Criminal Law in that with the right legal representation at an early stage during an investigation it may well be possible to persuade the HSE that a prosecution would not be in the public interest even if there is strong evidence of regulatory breaches.

An out of court disposal can sometimes be achieved through negotiations about the implementation of new workplace systems and an auditing of operations on a more frequent basis. If a prosecution can be avoided this reduces legal costs considerably and removes the anxiety and uncertainty as well as the risk of convictions and penalties.

Another factor to be considered is the reputational damage to the business that may be caused by court proceedings and the likelihood of adverse publicity. This can lead to the loss of clients and consequent cash flow difficulties and ultimately in a severe case the demise of the business.

Our solicitors can not only advise and protect you in respect of Environmental investigations, but can also provide bespoke training for your employees to help your business to avoid falling foul of this complicated area of law.

If you are being investigated by the Environment Agency, or are subject to enforcement proceedings in respect of tax issues, please contact our regulatory experts now to arrange a reduced fee initial meeting to discuss your options.