Environmental performance: Business is told to take pollution more seriously

Too many businesses in England and Wales are treating pollution as an acceptable risk, the chief executive of the Environment Agency told an environment conference.

Barbara Young said that a change in management culture was needed, 'with zero tolerance for pollution replacing apathy and acceptance of poor environmental performance.'

'These pollution offences are the result of negligence, deliberate acts, or basic management failings. Businesses must understand their responsibilities to the public and the environment,' said Young

'Company directors are personally responsible for complying with the law. Analysts, investors, journalists and investor relations managers all rate quality of management as the most important factor taken into account when judging a company — what good is management when a chief executive is convicted for avoidable pollution,' she added.

Despite the seemingly lax attitude of some companies towards the environment, in its third annual report, Spotlight on business environmental performance, the Environment Agency highlights the significant reductions in serious water pollution incidents.

Offences have fallen by almost 25 per cent in the past year, as a result of improved river and bathing water quality. River quality in England has improved by 41 per cent since 1990 and is 95 per cent compliant with the EC Bathing Water Directive.

Investment by the water industry in the clean-up has contributed to the improvements in water quality.

But the Environment Agency also pointed to an increase in the number of prosecutions — about 700 businesses and individuals for serious pollution offences, which left the public and environment exposed to substances such as raw sewage, acid and fuel leaks.