The Environment Agency has commenced criminal proceedings against Southern Water Services Limited and a number of the company’s former employees following a long-running investigation into wastewater monitoring.
Four former employees, including former chief executive Matthew Wright, face a charge of conspiracy to defraud. The Environment Agency alleges that, between January 2012 and December 2017, artificial “no-flow” events were implemented at wastewater treatment works in order to manipulate the Operator Self-Monitoring compliance-testing system.
Southern Water is separately due to face charges relating to alleged breaches of environmental permits. Three additional former employees also face charges connected with alleged failures to comply with environmental permits.
The case follows an Administrative Court judgment confirming the Environment Agency’s power to prosecute former employees of the company. The proceedings are expected to continue at Medway Magistrates’ Court.
The Environment Agency said the charges followed a complex investigation involving evidence gathered over several years. It added that, because the proceedings are now active, it could not comment further on the case.
All charges remain allegations at this stage. Southern Water and the individuals concerned are entitled to a fair hearing, and no conclusions should be drawn about guilt unless and until the matters are determined by a court.
You can read the Environment Agency press release here.