Environmental Law

All organisations carry out activities that impact the environment in some way. Defending environmental enforcement action can encompass many different issues and for many landowners and business owners, compliance with environmental regulations is a daily consideration. Both individuals and organisations can find themselves the subject of a regulatory investigation brought by regulators such as the local authority, Environment Agency, Defra, Natural England or the Marine Management Organisation.

Harold & McCormack Law has extensive knowledge of environmental law and is able to provide advice and guidance both in terms of proactive compliance and 24/7 legal advice following incidents, such as:

Nuisance

Allegations of statutory nuisance, whether relating to noise, odour, dust or other disturbances, can result in enforcement notices, criminal proceedings and reputational damage. We support businesses and individuals facing action from local authorities, helping them respond to investigations, challenge notices where appropriate, and demonstrate compliance with environmental and operational requirements. Our approach combines prompt engagement with enforcement officers and a clear legal strategy to protect your operations while finding practical solutions to resolve the alleged nuisance.

Air and Water Pollution Events

Air and water pollution events often trigger immediate scrutiny from the Environment Agency or local regulators, with potential for significant penalties and criminal liability. We advise clients from the earliest stage, assisting with incident response, regulatory interviews, evidence gathering, and communication with enforcement bodies. Whether the allegation relates to an accidental discharge, equipment failure, or operational oversight, we work closely with environmental specialists to develop a robust defence strategy and minimise both legal and reputational impact.

Chemical Contamination

Chemical contamination incidents can escalate rapidly, attracting regulatory attention and concerns about public or environmental safety. We help organisations respond appropriately to investigations, ensuring that documentation, incident reporting and sampling processes meet statutory requirements. Our solicitors defend allegations involving unlawful releases, storage breaches, or failures to manage hazardous substances, guiding clients through enforcement notices, interviews and potential prosecution. We also work alongside technical consultants to support compliance and protect ongoing business activity.

Fuel Spills

Fuel spills, whether from industrial operations, transport, or storage facilities, can lead to allegations of environmental harm and breaches of pollution control regulations. We provide immediate support to businesses and individuals contacted by the Environment Agency or local authorities, helping them manage the investigation from the outset. This includes advising on incident reporting, regulator engagement, insurance notifications and evidential issues. Our experience enables clients to navigate enforcement action effectively, safeguarding both operational continuity and organisational reputation.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks often trigger multi-agency involvement, including the HSE, fire authorities and local regulators, and can result in serious allegations relating to safety management and compliance. We advise organisations and duty holders under investigation for suspected failures in maintenance systems, risk assessment or adherence to industry standards. Our team supports clients during interviews, regulatory inspections and enforcement proceedings, helping them understand their legal obligations and building a strong defence to reduce potential sanctions and protect public confidence.

Waste Mismanagement

Allegations of waste mismanagement can arise from issues such as improper storage, unauthorised disposal, breaches of permit conditions, or failure to maintain accurate waste transfer documentation. We assist businesses and individuals facing investigation by the Environment Agency or local authorities, ensuring they respond appropriately to enquiries and enforcement notices. Our solicitors defend clients throughout the regulatory process, challenging unfounded allegations, mitigating risk, and providing strategic advice to support long-term compliance with waste management regulations.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos management and removal are heavily regulated, and any suspected breach can lead to enforcement by the HSE or local authorities. We represent contractors, property owners and duty holders facing allegations of unsafe removal practices, inadequate risk assessments or failures in notification and monitoring procedures. Our support includes preparing for regulatory interviews, advising on compliance documentation, and defending clients in enforcement or prosecution proceedings. We work to protect your legal position while helping you maintain safe, compliant and legally sound asbestos management processes.

Fire

Legal Support Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order) places clear legal responsibilities on duty holders, including employers, building owners, landlords and agents, to ensure management of fire safety risks.

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How we can help

We have considerable experience assisting property owners and managers with the regulatory impact of non-compliance, including:

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Legal Representation at No Cost to You

If you have insurance, it may cover your legal fees for environmental matters. Our lawyers are well-versed in interpreting policy documents to help you understand the extent of your cover and liaise with your policy provider to support the onboarding process.

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Knowing who to contact following an environmental incident is crucial, as decisions taken in the early post-incident stages can have a significant impact further down the line, both in terms of enforcement action and reputation. Harold & McCormack Law is on hand to protect you when things go wrong. You can benefit from our free initial consultation, during which we will discuss your concerns, explain the process and identify the next steps. We are available 365 days a year, so you will always feel supported.

What Our Clients Say

“We had the best team at the end of the day. Ashleigh and her team all did a great job for us, and we are all so very grateful. The outcome was a testimony to that.”

“Ashleigh is an exemplary health and safety legal representative, and I can think of no better legal ally to proactively and reactively support you and your business – the star of her profession.”

“Not only is she a true expert in her field ... She achieves the best outcome for her clients, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her.”

"Asleigh Harold recognised as 'Best regulatory health and safety lawyer in the UK'"

"Ashleigh just a short message to say thanks for the way you presented the case and in fact dealt with the whole case from start to finish. The negotiation skills needed to bring a potentially eye watering fine to £3000 is worthy of mention."

"You need someone who helps translate the daunting experiences in a manor you comprehend and Ashleigh routinely does this."

"Could I personally thank you for all of your efforts on our behalf and express our appreciation of your success. There is no doubt that your perception of HSE's approach to this investigation was clearly right..."

"Thanks to Ashleigh our complaint was upheld by Ofsted and we were reinspect a few weeks later and received 'outstanding' in all areas. Ashleigh was absolutely fantastic from start to finish in supporting and guiding us through the process. Thank you so much for all of your help in supporting us and ensuring we received the grade we deserved."

"Ashleigh's depth of experience in health and safety law and procecedings is first class - with her case work often referred to as 'the best we have seen' by barristers and QCS alike."

"When one is confronted with a serious health and safety event you need support, reassurance, knowledge, experience, intuition thoroughness and human understanding - Ashleigh comes with bundles of these attributes."

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0203 745 2456