Often this happens because of poor zoning choices; or because the pollution happened before anyone knew better. We have a concept in the US called "ex post fac

Often this happens because of poor zoning choices; or because the pollution happened before anyone knew better. We have a concept in the US called "ex post facto." Basically, you can't be prosecuted for breaking laws that are passed after you did the crime. I think a lawyer could explain the nuances better than I can. PFAS is a good example. For example, where I live, there is a groundwater plume of PFAS from firefighters practicing putting out fires. The PFAS was in fire suppressants that fire fighters practiced with. Who's going to be punished? The firefighters were doing their jobs, and had no reason to believe they were polluting groundwater.