Pollution of river costs farmer £12,000
A FARMER has been ordered to pay more than £12,000 after “persistently” polluting a river.
David Benjamin Huw Marks, of Cwrt Farm, Pentrecwrt, in Carmarthenshire, failed to empty a silage tank regularly, which then overflowed and drained into the Afon Gwr Fach on three separate occasions between December 2017 and December 2018.
Sewage fungus, which had grown as a result of the silage running into the river, was found along the 0.75km stretch of the river from Cwrt Farm to its confluence with the River Teifi.
The “persistent” pollution would have been poisonous or could have injured fish, spawning areas and the food of fish.
Previous warnings or advice provided by Natural Resources Wales officers were not followed by the owners of the farm as the pollution had been allowed to continue.
Marks pleaded guilty to offences under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 when he appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on September 11. He was ordered to pay £12,497.10, which consists of a £6,000 fine, £6,327.10 costs and £170 victim surcharge.
Ioan Williams, environment team leader for Natural Resources Wales, said: “There are regulations in place in Wales to protect our land and water that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is responsible for upholding.
“We support farmers as much as possible to address non-compliance with regulations by offering advice and practical support on how they can reduce their risk of causing pollution.
“When something threatens the safety of our natural resources, or there is compelling evidence that regulations are being deliberately flouted, we will not hesitate in taking enforcement action.”
Mr Williams urged farmers to report any incidents involving pollution as soon as possible to “reduce the impact on the environment”.
“NRW works closely with all partners involved in the agricultural sector to minimise the risk of agricultural pollution from occurring,” he added.
“This work is co-ordinated by the Wales Land Management Forum subgroup. Improvements are being made and most farmers act responsibly in their waste and nutrient management practices.
“We recognise that sometimes things do go wrong, but we urge farmers that if they know they have caused pollution to report it to us at NRW immediately by calling 0300 065 3000.
“The sooner we know about it, the sooner we can work with them to try and reduce the impact on the environment.”