Warning after hundreds of farm pollution incidents reported
…across England over past decade
An agricultural expert is warning farmers about the risks of farm pollution, after official figures revealed 430 incidents occurred across England¹ in the past decade2.
Farm pollution incidents can have a devasting impact on wildlife, ecosystems and, in some cases, human health – silage effluent, for example, can be up to 200 times more toxic than untreated sewage if it finds its way into waterways.
In the wake of the Environmental Agency statistics, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, Richard Beechener, On Farm Account Executive for Farmers & Mercantile Insurance Brokers, says he is worried many farmers are unaware of how destructive farm pollution can be to the environment – or the severe penalties they face if prosecuted.
“What many farmers don’t realise is that the latest sentencing guidelines mean they could be slapped with unlimited fines, or up to five years in prison, if found responsible for a pollution breach,” he said.
“Couple this with the fact that the Environment Agency is pushing for farmers who damage the environment to lose their government grants, and you have a situation which many farmers simply could not recover from.
“In summary, farmers’ businesses are being put in serious jeopardy because of carelessness. This is not a risk any farmer should be willing to take.”
Beechener warned that, whilst insurance may cover the cost of any clean-ups, it is not available to cover the cost of substantial fines imposed when farmers don’t comply with the law.
“Agriculture remains one of the biggest sources of pollution incidents, with the Environment Agency branding it ‘a slow-motion environmental catastrophe’,” he said.
“This is unsurprising, considering farmers are responsible for three-quarters of the land in England, but much can be done to mitigate the risks.
“First of all, farmers should ensure their knowledge of environmental legislation is up-to-date and that they closely follow guidance from the Environmental Agency.
“Risk assessments should be conducted, such as identifying low-lying areas and waterways vulnerable to effluent runoff, and checks should be routinely carried out, from ensuring silage clamps and slurry containers are sound and secure to examining nearby waterways for signs of pollution.
“Adverse weather should be also taken into account, as heavy rainfall can increase the chance of toxic runoff. Contingency plans should put in place, in preparation for every eventuality, and all workers should be made aware of these.
“If there is a pollution incident, suspected or confirmed, the Environmental Agency should be contacted immediately, followed by the farmer’s insurance company.
“It is worth bearing in mind that, as part of its crackdown on offenders, the Environment Agency is calling for incentives to be introduced for farmers who maintain a good environmental track record.
“So, prevention not only provides peace of mind but may in the future reap benefits, if the Environment Agency realises its objectives to protect the environment for future generations.”
¹Region defined in accordance with Environment Agency boundaries
22008-2017 inclusive
