Thames Water was recently fined 20.3 million, the largest a water utility company has ever been charged for an environmental disaster. The company admitted sewage spills into the river in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in 2013 and 2014. Company director Richard Aylard has apologized for failing both their customers and the environment. Judge Francis Sheridan has cited the fault if the higher up in the company who have a history of noncompliance and ignoring concerns made by employees. Several fish and essential wildlife perished in the pollution. Judge Sheridan wanted to send a message with the large fine, Thames Water relates they are striving to improve the environment in the wake of this disaster.

Read more: Thames Water fined £20m for sewage spill – BBC News