The defendant sewerage undertaker received sewage, treated it in filter beds and discharged the treated liquid into the river. One night someone unlawfully discharged a solvent called iso-octanol into the sewer. It passed through the sewage works and entered the river. The question was whether the defendant had caused the consequent pollution. Held: The defence … Continue reading National Rivers Authority v Yorkshire Water Services Ltd: HL 21 Nov 1994

‘Causing’ is a question of fact- does not import knowledge or negligence. A water authority could be liable for pollution caused to water even if it was caused by an unknown third party. Times 24-Nov-1993, Independent 19-Nov-1993 Water Act 1989 107(1)(a) England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – National Rivers Authority v Yorkshire Water Services … Continue reading National Rivers Authority v Yorkshire Water Services Ltd: QBD 19 Nov 1993

The council maintained the sewage system in its district as agent for the statutory authority, the Severn Trent Water Authority. It operated, maintained and repaired the sewers. As sewage authority, it received raw sewage into its sewers. On the occasion in question one of the sewers became blocked. The sewage flowed into the stormwater drainage … Continue reading Wychavon District Council v National Rivers Authority: QBD 16 Sep 1992