Fines Paid to Environmental Charities Following Slurry Storage Failures
Three farm companies in Dorset have collectively paid £33,500 to environmental charities after investigations revealed failures in proper slurry storage.
The Environment Agency reported that in two instances, slurry pollution entered local watercourses, while in the third case, slurry storage facilities were installed without the necessary environmental permit.
These companies have made payments as part of enforcement undertakings, which serve as an alternative to prosecution or financial penalties.
"Slurry regulations protect people and the environment. It is essential everyone follows the rules."
Details of Each Case and Contributions
Drummers Farming Limited, located near Sherborne, contributed £10,000 to the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The funds will support the Winfrith and Tadnoll Wetland Restoration Project.
In April 2024, slurry from Drummers Farming's lagoon entered the Leigh Tributary of the Beer Hackett Stream, also known as the River Wriggle. Subsequent investigations found the pollution's impact extended over a mile downstream.
Crutchley Farms Partnership, based near Bridport, donated £7,500 to the Dorset Wildlife Trust for a trees and wetland initiative. This followed pollution detected in Mangerton Brook in 2023, traced back to the farm.
The pollution occurred after a pump failure on a concrete tank's overflow pipe, resulting in slurry entering the stream. Waste was found more than 300 metres downstream from the Marsh Farm site.
Crockway Farms Ltd, an intensive pig farm in Dorchester, failed to obtain an environmental permit before installing two new slurry stores. The company paid £16,000 to the Farm and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, an organization focused on reducing farm run-off and flood risk in catchment areas.
Agency Advice and Support
"If a farmer is concerned about their slurry storage or environmental compliance, get in touch with us. We are ready to lend support and advice,"
"We'd rather be approached earlier rather than later, after an environmental incident has happened."
