The Environment Agency

The Environment Agency (EA) was established in 1996 to protect and improve the environment. They have around 10,600 employees with a head office in Bristol and another in London. There are also have across England, divided into 14 areas.

Within England they are responsible for:

• Regulating major industry and waste
• Treatment of contaminated land
• Water quality and resources
• Fisheries
• Inland river, estuary and harbour navigations
• Conservation and ecology

The Environment Agency is also responsible for managing the risk of flooding from main rivers, reservoirs, estuaries and the sea. Lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) are responsible for managing the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses and lead on community recovery.

Their priorities are to:

• Work with businesses and other organisations to manage the use of resources
• Increase the resilience of people, property and businesses to the risks of flooding and coastal erosion
• Protect and improving water, land and biodiversity
• Improve the way we work as a regulator to protect people and the environment and support sustainable growth