United Kingdom environmental law

In the common law, the primary protection was found in the tort of nuisance, but this only allowed for private actions for damages or injunctions if there was harm to land; thus issues such as smells emanating from pig sties,[1] strict liability against dumping rubbish,[2] or damage from exploding dams[3] are included.

During the "Great Stink" of 1858, the dumping of sewerage into the River Thames began to smell so ghastly in the summer heat that Parliament had to be evacuated.

The basic regulatory structure was to set limits on emissions for households and business (particularly burning coal) while an inspectorate would enforce compliance.

It required zones for smokeless fuel to be burned and relocated power stations.

The Act's implementation is facilitated through various commencement regulations, introducing legally binding targets in areas such as biodiversity, water, air quality, and conservation.