Derby Crown Court, sitting in Nottingham, has imposed a significant fine this week on Severn Trent Water following a serious pollution incident which resulted in an estimated 30,000 dead fish and 5km of damaged ecology along the River Amber.

In a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency, the water company was fined £350,000, ordered to pay Environment Agency costs of £68,003, as well as a victim surcharge of £120.

In November 2015, the Environment Agency received reports of several hundred dead fish in the River Amber in Derbyshire and, following a search of the area, and discussions with Severn Trent Water employees, the source of the pollution was found to be a release of sodium hydroxide from the Ogston Water Treatment works, operated by Severn Trent Water, into the river.

Severn Trent Water identified that a leak within a chamber at the treatment works had led to the contents becoming contaminated with sodium hydroxide, which was then washed through the road gully into the River Amber via an outfall pipe.

The hazardous chemical leak had a significant negative impact on the fish and invertebrate populations within the River Amber. The Environment Agency has been monitoring the natural recovery of the river ecology over the last two years. Monitoring has shown that whilst there have been some improvements, something resembling a full recovery is not expected until the summer of this year.

"To have no policy whatsover when dangerous chemicals could have leaked out in any number of ways is highly negligent"

In passing sentence, His Honour Judge Smith commented:

“It beggars belief that a company of the size and expertise of Severn Trent Water had no policy whatsoever in respect of potential incidents arising in connection with their dosing chamber, either at this treatment works or indeed at any others throughout the UK.”

“To have no policy whatsover when dangerous chemicals could have leaked out in any number of ways is highly negligent. The size and success of Severn Trent makes it even more astonishing.”

In mitigation Severn Trent expressed regret and apologised for the incident. The company co-operated fully with the investigation and contributed £228,000 to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Speaking after the case, an Environment Agency officer involved with the investigation said:

“This is a significant fine imposed on Severn Trent Water Limited for causing pollution. I hope it sends a strong message that it is far more cost effective to avoid these incidents, as we will continue to take companies and individuals to task where they ignore their responsibilities.”