The government is tightening its stance on sewage pollution – and it’s not just the big water companies under scrutiny. Drainage contractors are increasingly in the spotlight, with the Environment Agency (EA) issuing automatic sewage spill fines for pollution offences.
For contractors, this means that everyday jobs – such as jetting systems clogged with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) – could carry unexpected risks. If waste ends up in a storm overflow, culvert, or outfall near a watercourse, you may unintentionally pollute a river, stream, or lake. The consequences can be serious, and include:
- Blockages
- Oxygen depletion
- Visible pollution
- A reportable environmental incident
Legal and insurance risks
Under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, such incidents can be classed as pollution offences. The EA now has the power to issue automatic fines of up to £20,000, using a lower burden of proof than before. In practice, this means it’s easier than ever to be held liable – even if you were working under instruction from a water company or local authority.
Here’s the critical point – fines themselves are uninsurable. No policy will cover the penalty.
But the right drainage contractor insurance can still protect your business against the wider costs. Our standard drainage contractor policy includes cover for:
- Pollution clean-up costs
- Third-party pollution damage
How common are these claims?
Historically, pollution claims in the drainage sector have been rare. In fact, we’ve only seen a handful over the past seven years. However, with the EA lowering the burden of proof, we expect more cases to emerge.
The good news? Our policy already includes this protection and premiums remain highly competitive, often cheaper than policies that don’t offer this cover.
Protecting your business
Drainage contractors face unique exposures, and pollution risk is one that’s easy to overlook until it’s too late. By ensuring your insurance policy includes pollution cover, you can safeguard your business against costly clean-up operations and third-party claims.
For honest advice from someone who understands your work and exposures, get in touch with the Howden team. We’ll provide a free policy review or tailored quote to make sure you’re protected.
Call us on 01732 386731 / 07849 643017 today or email drainage@howdeninsurance.co.uk.