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East Midlands Airport fined for water pollution

East Midlands Airport has been fined £900,000 for three pollution incidents affecting local waterways.

July 28, 2025 at 12:22 PM

East Midlands Airport fined £900,000 for plane de-icer pollution

East Midlands Airport faces a hefty fine for pollution affecting local waterways.

East Midlands Airport fined for environmental pollution

East Midlands Airport has been fined £900,000 after three discharges of contaminated water were detected in Diseworth Brook. Investigations by the Environment Agency revealed that the airport's water processing systems, installed in 2000, were defective and allowed excess de-icer to enter the waterway, causing significant pollution. This contamination was detected at levels up to eight times the allowable limit, leading to ecological damage in the area. The judge acknowledged the airport's subsequent investment of over £10 million to rectify the issues but criticized the delay in addressing the problems. Airport officials expressed regret for the environmental breaches that occurred in early 2022.

Key Takeaways

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East Midlands Airport fined £900,000 for pollution incidents.

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Contaminated water discharged into Diseworth Brook exceeded legal limits.

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Investments made by the airport to fix issues exceeded £10 million.

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Judge noted the airport acted responsibly but too late.

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Environmental damage included outbreaks of sewage fungus in the brook.

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This case may influence how other airports manage de-icing waste.

"We took decisive action at that point in time and we controlled those issues and that was ahead of any prosecution taking place."

Mr. Griffiths expressed regret over the breaches and the prompt corrective measures taken.

"Judge Hurst noted the investment of more than £10m in the systems since the breaches showed the airport had been responsible."

The judge acknowledged the airport's financial commitment to rectify issues despite the delays.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges airports face in balancing operations with environmental sustainability. The lengthy delay in addressing system failures raises concerns about regulatory compliance and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. While Airports may strive for efficiency, neglecting environmental safeguards can lead to significant financial and ecological repercussions. This case could prompt similar establishments to reconsider their waste management systems and their potential impact on local ecosystems.