NEW information has shown than dozens of waste and water pollution incidents have been reported in the North-East within the last decade.

The information, which was obtained through a Freedom of Information request, and disclosed by Environmental Agency figures, found that farmers were amongst those responsible for some 50 incidents reported across the North-East and Yorkshire over a ten-year period.

Under the current sentencing guidelines, farmers who are found responsible for a pollution breach could face up to five years in prison, or unlimited high fines. But the figures show that the severe punishment appears not to have deterred all farmers from breaching pollution law.

Thomas Jones, Account Executive of Farmers & Mercantile Insurance Brokers, said that he feared that farmers were not fully aware of how destructive farm pollution could be to the environment, or how severe the prosecution for committing environmental crimes could be.

Mr Jones said: “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.”

Mr Jones also warned that whilst insurance may cover the cost of any clean-ups, it was not available to cover the cost of the substantial fines imposed when farmers didn’t comply with the law.

The punishment could become even more severe in 2019, with the Environment Agency currently pushing for a new law which would see farmers who damage the environment lose their government grants.

“Farmers should ensure their knowledge of environmental legislation is up to date and that they closely follow guidance from the Environmental Agency,” Mr Jones said. “Risk assessments should also be conducted, such as identifying low-lying areas and waterways vulnerable to effluent run-off, and checks should be routinely carried out, from ensuring silage clamps to checking slurry containers are sound and secure.

“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.”