A farming business has been fined and ordered to pay costs totalling more than £10,000 for twice polluting a watercourse and breaching slurry regulations…reports Asian Lite News
E & A Forshaw (Partnership), operators of a dairy farm at Bolton Fold Farm in Alston, Preston, faced sentencing at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to environmental violations.
The partnership admitted in November 2024 to two counts of illegally discharging slurry into Tun Brook and one count of breaching regulations regarding slurry storage by extending a lagoon too close to a watercourse. The court imposed a £3,000 fine, £7,301.70 in costs, and a £300 victim surcharge.
Nicki Rushton, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of compliance with environmental regulations. “Regulations on constructing slurry stores have been in place for more than 30 years. All farmers must be aware of their legal responsibilities to prevent pollution events like this,” she said. Rushton encouraged farmers to seek advice to ensure their storage facilities are compliant and protect the environment.
Pollution Incidents and Investigation
The case stems from incidents dating back to November 2019, when pipes used for slurry transfer during land spreading burst, causing pollution in Tun Brook. Environment Agency officers found the brook discolored but observed clean-up efforts underway during a follow-up visit two days later.
In January 2020, further pollution was reported at Alston Lane, near Longridge. Officers discovered discolored water and an agricultural odor, tracing the source to Bolton Fold Farm. Investigations revealed a hole in the side of a slurry lagoon, with slurry flowing towards Tun Brook.
The original lagoon, built before regulatory standards, had been extended without proper consent from the Environment Agency, bringing it within 10 meters of the watercourse.
Remedial Actions Taken
The partnership undertook immediate remedial actions and later constructed a compliant second storage facility following advice from the Environment Agency. Rushton reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and preventing pollution, stating that action will be taken against those failing to comply.
The case serves as a reminder to the farming community of the need to adhere to regulations designed to protect waterways and the environment.
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