Anglian Water had 14 significant pollution incidents last year
Their performance on environmental commitments have been criticised by a government department
Anglian Water, which serves much of Bedfordshire, have been called out by the Environment Agency for their performance on environmental commitments like pollution incidents and treatment work compliance.
In the latest annual Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) of the nine water and sewage systems in England, it was found that their environmental performance had declined overall.
In fact, the performance of the companies has fallen to its lowest level seen under the EPA. Though, the metrics have been tightened to stretch companies.
The companies are measured out of four stars, with Anglian receiving just two stars, meaning they require significant improvement.
Jeremy Hay, Senior Environment Officer with the Environment Agent, said, "Anglian had 14 significant pollution incidents in 2021, which is the worst of the nine water companies in England."
Prison sentences for CEOs and Board members
The Environment Agency are now calling for tougher measures such as higher fines for serious and deliberate pollution incidents. The Environment Agency have said fines currently handed down to the court often amount to less than a CEO's salary.
Mr. Hay added, "Anglian Water, for example, has a turnover of about £1.3bn. On occasion they only get fined a few tens of thousands of pounds, which clearly isn't much of a deterrent to change their behaviour."
They also want to see prison sentences for CEOs and Board Members whose companies are responsible for the most serious incidents, and have company directors struck off and unable to move up in their careers.
A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said, "this report shows water companies are ignoring their legal responsibilities. Water company chiefs cannot continue to make huge profits whilst polluting our waters."
In response to the report, an Anglian Water spokesperson said, "protecting, restoring and improving our region’s environment is at the heart of our business, and we take this responsibility incredibly seriously. While we’ve performed well in some areas, we are not where we need to be in others. We’re extremely disappointed to have dropped to a two-star rating last year."
"We know there’s no room for complacency, and we’re absolutely determined to make meaningful progress towards achieving our zero pollutions goal.”