Supermarket giants Tesco have been fined £8 million for polluting a river with around 23,500 litres of unleaded petrol in 29 hours.
Tesco pleaded guilty to the pollution offence, which happened in Lancashire, in July 2014.
The incident led to the deaths of over 40 fish, including species such as brown trout, found less than 2 miles from the petrol pollution entry point, and anglers reported more dead fish in Bury, over six miles downstream.
The Environment Agency, Lancashire County Council, United Utilities, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Lancashire Police were all involved in the emergency clean up.
Odours from the pollution also caused nearby residents to leave their homes.
An investigation by the Environment Agency found the incident resulted from Tesco's failure to address problems with part of the fuel delivery system and an inadequate alarm system, made worse by poor emergency procedures.
The fine of £8 million is a total of a £5 million fine for a health and safety offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974, for failings under the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations SI 2002/2776, and £3 million for the environmental offence.
