How does enforcement work?


    How does enforcement work?

    Our enforcement activities start long before a prosecution reaches court.

    Step 1: Inspection, Monitoring or Intelligence

    Information may come from:

    • Site inspections
    • Environmental monitoring
    • Incident reports
    • Public reports
    • Whistleblowers
    • Regulatory intelligence

    Step 2: Compliance Action

    Where we identify non-compliance, we require corrective action through compliance assessment reports and regulatory interventions.

    Step 3: Investigation

    Where evidence suggests environmental laws may have been broken, we undertake formal investigations.

    Step 4: Enforcement Response

    Depending on the evidence, environmental impact and seriousness of the breach, action may include:

    • Advice and guidance
    • Formal warnings
    • Civil sanctions
    • Enforcement undertakings
    • Criminal prosecution

    Step 5: Lasting Improvement

    Our objective is always to secure improvements that protect the environment and reduce future pollution.