Historical Pollution: A European Prospective

Examines the development of UK and European environmental law. The Treaty of Rome has been amended to provide for assessment of new EC laws in terms of environmental impact. The draft Directive on Civil Liability for Waste threatens a strict liability approach for pollution. The inadequate state of UK common law is reviewed together with the proactive powers of waste regulation authorities and the establishment of contaminated land registers. The conclusion is that liability for pollution is widening and adverse publicity is more likely with greater public access to information.