Find out about investigation and criminal enforcement

Where there is evidence that environmental law may have been broken, we undertake formal investigations.

Investigations can involve site visits, technical analysis, witness statements, monitoring data and intelligence gathering. Some investigations are highly complex and may take months or years to complete. This helps ensure any enforcement action, including prosecution, is evidence-based, legally robust and capable of withstanding scrutiny in court.

Why we use them: To establish the facts, gather robust evidence and determine the most appropriate enforcement response.

Prosecution is one of our most important enforcement tools for tackling serious environmental offending.

We may prosecute where there is evidence of significant environmental harm, repeated non-compliance, or serious breaches of environmental law.

Since 2015, we have secured over 70 successful prosecutions, resulting in more than £158 million in fines.

The Environment Agency investigates offences, gathers evidence and presents cases before the courts. Where a prosecution is successful, it is the court that independently determines the appropriate sentence based on the evidence presented, relevant legislation and sentencing guidelines. This can include fines, director disqualifications, community orders or imprisonment in the most serious cases.

Why we use them: To hold serious offenders to account, deter future offending and reinforce the importance of complying with environmental law.