In reply to Offwidth:
I've been dealing with them on and off for most of my career, and their interest in and ability to respond (on groundwater & contaminated land issues) has definitely declined over past 10 years.
There seems to be plenty of money for flood prevention and new infrastructure works in that regard (as hot topic in the media, voters being concerned, people moaning to their MPs etc) but decreasing amounts to deal with pollution incidents and river and groundwater pollution.
I guess the solution is that people need to make a fuss about this kind of stuff if they care about it, and hopefully drive some change.
That seems to be changing slightly, in terms of high pofile media campaigns on river quality etc.
I see in that article their Chief Exe has threatened to sack anyone speaking to the media about internal failings (a sure fire way to improve staff moral and drive engagement!).
Fairly sorry state of affairs.