A court has found a Somerset pig farmer guilty of polluting a local stream after he constructed an illegal slurry lagoon.
James Mitchell of Hillcommon in Taunton, Somerset, appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 18, where he was ordered to pay a total of £5,065.
The Environment Agency discovered Mitchell’s slurry was overflowing from the lagoon and polluting the Oake Stream.
Mitchell was charged with offences contrary to Regulation 38(1)(a) and Regulation 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
In relation to illegally constructing a slurry lagoon, he pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Regulation 10 (1) and 4 (1) of the Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) Regulations 2010.
After Mitchell pleaded guilty, the district judge fined him £500 for the offence plus a £200 surcharge, as well as investigation costs of £4,365.
The court gave the farmer a 12-month period to pay the fine.
Investigation
The environmental agency told the court that they visited Mitchell’s farm in 2021 on his request.
The agency said its representatives discovered his lagoon, which was built without notification or details on the engineering.
Mitchell had requested the agency to visit Orchard farm to discuss a grant for covering the lagoon.
The court heard that the agency had received a report on November 9, 2023, of pollution in Oake Stream, which was traced back to Orchard farm.
The pig slurry had been overflowing from Mitchell’s lagoon, entering a soak way, which is connected to the surface water drainage network.
The agency told the court that Mitchell fully cooperated with them, helping to prevent any further pollution by building a clay reinforced earth bank.
Pig farm follow-up
The agency said it carried out a follow-up investigation in December 2023, where it noted construction of the roof discussed in 2021 was nearly complete, further stating in the court that construction was complete by January 2024.
Senior environment officer, David Womack, said: “James Mitchell is an experienced farmer and was made fully aware of his responsibilities and the laws regarding slurry storage, having contacted us before this needless incident occurred.
“All farmers need to be aware of their legal responsibilities to prevent pollution events like this from happening.”
Womack said the agency will not hesitate to take action against any farmers causing pollution. He reminded farmers to seek advice if they are unsure weather or not they have adequate slurry facilities.
