JD Spencer Farm Partnership, located at Manor Farm in Langley Burrell, Chippenham, has been fined thousands of pounds following two separate slurry pollution incidents that contaminated local waterways.
On March 6, the partnership pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates’ Court to four offences: two counts of illegal water discharge and two counts of failing to properly plan slurry spreading.
The first spill occurred in November 2023 when slurry leaked into a tributary of the Bristol Avon. Water samples downstream revealed dangerously high ammonia concentrations and very low dissolved oxygen levels, both indicative of severe water pollution.
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Slurry, a mixture of animal manure and water, is commonly used as a natural fertiliser. However, improper spreading—especially during heavy rainfall—can cause runoff that pollutes rivers and streams. The Environment Agency (EA) explained that sodden soil increases the risk of slurry entering waterways.
Co-owner Winston Spencer denied pumping slurry from the farm’s lagoon during a formal interview but admitted that slurry stores were full and that runoff had happened, likely due to heavy rain washing off previously spread slurry.
The second spill was reported by a member of the public in March 2024 at another watercourse near Langley Burrell. EA officers traced the pollution across several watercourses back to slurry deposits found in three fields on Manor Farm. Spencer acknowledged spreading wet slurry and believed it had entered field drains before contaminating the stream. He also admitted that there was no land drainage plan in place for their fields.
As a result, the farm was fined £7,000, with additional victim surcharge costs of £2,800 and legal fees amounting to £8,944.
The Environment Agency employed drone technology to document slurry runoff locations, highlighting the seriousness of the pollution.
David Womack, senior environment officer, stated: “These incidents were preventable and should never have occurred. Farmers have a duty to store and spread organic manures responsibly. We encourage farmers facing slurry storage issues to reach out for guidance on legislation and best practices to reduce pollution risks.
“If a pollution event does happen, it is critical to report it immediately to the Environment Agency to minimize environmental damage. Reporting is available 24/7 at 0800 80 70 60.”