Environment Act 1995 (c. 25)

The Environment Act 1995 set up the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland, to protect the environment and manage resources.

The Environment Act applies in England, Scotland and Wales.

What is the Environment Act?

 Part  Description
 Part I
  • Establishes the EA and SEPA
  • Gives the EA and SEPA responsibility for regulating pollution control, water, general environmental and recreational duties, environmental duties relating to sites of special interest (SSSIs), regional and local fisheries, flood prevention and control.
 Part II
  • Sets out a system to identify and repair contaminated land
  • Amends the Water Resources Act 1991 to make significant changes to laws on water pollution from abandoned mines.
 Part III
  • Establishes National Park Authorities in England and Wales
  • Gives National Park Authorities planning authority powers under national parks legislation and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
  • Creates National Park Management Plans.

 Part IV
  • Requires the Secretary of State to prepare a national air quality strategy in Great Britain
  • Requires local councils to prepare reviews of air quality.
 Part V
  • Requires the Secretary of State to prepare a national waste strategy for England and Wales.
  • Requires SEPA to prepare a national waste strategy for Scotland.
  • Enables regulations to be made that impose responsibility for waste onto the producer of the waste.
  • Updates laws on statutory nuisance and water pollution in Scotland.

Who does the Environment Act affect?

The Environment Act affects all businesses in England, Wales and Scotland.

What do you have to do?

See our guidance on:

Further information