Environment Law Solicitors

Benefits of Hiring an Environment Law Solicitor

Environmental law is all about keeping a fair balance between the rights of people and businesses and the good of the environment. Much of the legislation in this area of law originates from EU law and covers a wide range of environmental considerations, such as water, waste, nature and habitat conservation, pollution and contaminated land.

Environmental law is an ever changing landscape and one that is incorporated into many different areas of our lives. If you or your business has an environmental issue, we can help you find the most suitable firm of environment law solicitors for your requirements. Whether you need legal advice on regulatory compliance, representation to defend against a claim or assistance with a dispute regarding contaminated land, our aim is to help you find and compare the best environment solicitors that are local to you.

Environmental Legislation and Permits

With the overall goal of protecting the environment, environmental licences and permits have become a central component of business regulations in the UK and across the EU.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is the main body responsible for the development and drafting of environmental policies and legislation. The issuing and enforcement of relevant permits are then the responsibility of the Environment Agency in England, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in Wales.

If your business activity requires a relevant permit or licence and you operate without this authorisation, or if you breach any of the applicable laws, you could face both civil and criminal penalties. In most cases, the punishment for breach of environment law will be the criminal prosecution of the business or individual concerned. In the lower courts, the maximum penalty is a fine and/or a six month prison sentence. If the case is taken to the higher courts, the maximum penalty is five years ' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

If a private individual or business has been impacted by the environmental law breach of another, they can take legal action under civil law. Any such claim will usually be under the common law of negligence or nuisance, with a successful claim resulting in the offending party having to pay damages. In some situations, the court may also grant an injunction against the person or company, which will force them to cease whatever activity is causing the environmental harm.

Given the potential punishments for non-compliance, it is essential that business owners fully understand and appreciate their obligations with regards to environmental legislation. Hiring a good firm of environmental lawyers can help to ensure your business remains compliant with all relevant legislation, and also help your defence to any claims that are made against you.

At LocalSolicitors.com, we provide you with profiles on each firm of solicitors throughout the UK that practices environment law. With just a few clicks you can find and compare local firms that have the environmental knowledge and expertise that you need. So whether you are looking for a solicitor in Brighton, Liverpool, Cardiff, Edinburgh or anywhere in between, we can help to make the process of finding the right solicitor quick and easy.