Environment Agency Investigates River Cleanup Conducted Without Permit

The Environment Agency has opened an investigation into a volunteer-led cleanup of a tributary of the River Roding after determining that the work was carried out without an environmental permit.

Volunteers from the River Roding Trust removed 200 bags of rubbish, branches, and silt from Alders Brook over 10 days earlier this year. The section cleaned runs through rural Essex and Barking. Paul Powlesland, a lawyer who lives on a boat on the river, organized the effort after multiple prior requests to the agency went unanswered.

The agency stated in a letter to Powlesland that unpermitted works had taken place in possible contravention of permitting regulations. It said the site remains under investigation for permitting and waste offences, including possible dredging and placement of waste within a flood plain. Officials added that further checks are underway to assess any additional offences or environmental effects.

Powlesland said the agency had ignored long-standing pollution problems on the river, including sewage discharges and illegal waste dumping. He noted that the cleared section now shows returning wildlife. Powlesland said he remains willing to coordinate future work with the agency to avoid regulatory issues.

The River Roding continues to receive raw sewage discharges, with one outflow releasing more than 750,000 litres annually according to data from Friends of the Roding. The local MP raised the issue in Parliament this month. The agency said it continues to respond to pollution incidents and works with partners on pipe misconnections.