Environment Agency

What we do

We work to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.

EA is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Read more about what we do

We work on these topics

  1. Environment

    The government is working to protect our environment by reducing pollution, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, protecting areas of parkland, wildlife reserves and marine biodiversity, and enforcing regulations that keep our water and air clean. We also help communities avoid or recover from flooding and other weather-related hazards. Read more

  2. Food and farming

    Britain needs to ensure a sustainable supply of food for the UK market and export. Supporting and developing British farming, and encouraging sustainable food production (including fisheries) will ensure a secure, environmentally sustainable and healthy supply of food with improved standards of animal welfare. Read more

  3. Rural and countryside

    The interests of rural communities in the UK must be properly represented. Through investing in the rural economy, improving access to the countryside, coast and inland waterways, we will secure the future of these areas and their communities. Read more

  4. Climate change

    The government is working at home and abroad to adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in low-carbon energy sources, improving fuel standards in cars and increasing energy efficiency wherever possible. Read more

  5. Energy

    Oil and gas reserves are declining but the UK must have safe, secure and future-proof supplies of energy that are available to all. Through international relations and supporting the energy industry, the government will ensure a continuous supply of energy for the UK. Read more

  6. Public safety and emergencies

    The government provides funding and support for local emergency services including the police, fire and ambulance services, and sets national standards to make sure they are effective and consistent. Read more

  7. Wildlife and animal welfare

    The government offers advice and guidance to pet owners and also enforces legislation to protect pets against cruelty. The UK has a diverse and unique range of wildlife, but over-exploitation (such as over-fishing), habitat loss, climate change and the impact of non-native species all pose a threat. Read more

  8. Sports and leisure

    Sport can improve people's health as well as enriching their lives. Investing in facilities and encouraging participation in grassroots sport among adults as well as children will produce wide-ranging benefits. Read more

Our policies

  1. Reducing the threats of flooding and coastal change

    How we're managing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion, dealing with flood emergencies and ensuring people get a fair deal on flood insurance.

  2. Protecting and improving people’s enjoyment of the countryside

    How the government is protecting and improving people's access to the countryside and coastal areas, and protecting English landscapes and inland waterways.

  3. Encouraging businesses to manage their impact on the environment

    How the government is helping businesses to manage resources more efficiently and reduce their impact on the environment.

See all our policies

Documents

Our announcements

  1. UK floods 2014: government response and recovery

    • 15 April 2014
    • News story

  2. New woodland boosts army training and flood defences

    • 15 April 2014
    • News story

See all our announcements

Our consultations

  1. Environmental permit application: Regent Park Energy

    • 27 March 2014
    • Open consultation

  2. Environmental permitting: changes to H2 energy efficiency guidance

    • 3 March 2014
    • Closed consultation

See all our consultations

Our publications

  1. Works in, near or over watercourses, PPG5: prevent pollution

    • 15 April 2014
    • Guidance

  2. Thames water authority: land drainage byelaws

    • 15 April 2014
    • Statutory guidance

See all our publications

Our statistics

  1. Water situation report for England: March 2014

    • 14 April 2014
    • Statistics

  2. West Thames: groundwater situation

    • 11 April 2014
    • Statistics

See all our statistics

Our management

    Contact EA

    General enquiries

    National Customer Contact Centre
    PO Box 544
    Rotherham
    S60 1BY

    Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

    Environment incident hotline

    Floodline

    Hazardous waste registration

    Make an FOI request

    1. Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request
    2. Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question
    3. Make a new request by contacting us at:

    FOI requests

    Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests
    PO Box 544
    Rotherham
    S60 1BY

    Corporate information

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