A legal case against polluters of the River Wye and surrounding rivers has seen over 3,000 individuals and businesses joining the claim. These participants assert that they have been impacted by pollution in the Wye, Lugg, and Usk catchments and have joined a group claim initiated by the law firm Leigh Day a year ago. The claim targets the Cargill UK poultry group, including Avara Foods, Cargill Plc, and Freemans of Newent, as well as Welsh Water.
The firm’s widely publicized claim suggests that the industrial-scale chicken production managed by Avara is the primary contributor of river water pollution in the region, leading to phosphorus and nitrate pollution that causes algal blooms. Alleged polluters including Cargill, Avara, and Freemans of Newent have denied these accusations.
Recently, Welsh Water was also included as a defendant in the claim due to sewage discharges, making it the second largest river polluter in the area, according to Leigh Day lawyers.
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Residents assert that the pollution has affected their enjoyment of the river, particularly during activities such as wild swimming and fishing, and has had a negative impact on local businesses.
Leigh Day has responded to the high demand for participation in the legal claim by opening an office in Hereford and will engage with visitors at the upcoming Hay Festival.
Partner Oliver Holland, leading the river Wye legal claim, expressed satisfaction with the strong response from the local community, emphasizing the vital role of the rivers Wye, Lugg, and Usk in the lives of individuals and businesses.
While the case is expected to be tried at a later date, the legal team anticipates issuing it in the next couple of months.
In response to the legal action, Welsh Water has announced plans to invest £2.5bn in environmental improvement projects over the next five years.