ABC Company stored steel drums of contaminated waste products behind its plant.Some of the drums leaked contaminants into the soil, and these contaminants eventually found their way into a neighbour's drinking water supply.What are the rights of the neighbour?

Problem:

Edward was a director of the ABC Company that stored steel drums of contaminated waste products behind its plant.As a director, Edward rarely visited the plant so he was unaware of the store of waste.However, a year previous, at a director's meeting, he raised the issue of establishing a company policy to management that would require managers to ensure the safe storage of all hazardous material at their plant.

The hazardous material has leaked and contaminated the nearby river.

1.Could Edward he held personally responsible for any of the cost of cleanup or fines levied by the government?

2.Are there any defences available to Edward?