Leaking slurry lagoon in the Isle of Wight

 

ELF was contacted by an individual living on the Isle of Wight who has raised concerns over a leaking slurry lagoon owned by a farmer, in a National Landscape (formerly an AONB). The tributary that the slurry leaks into leads to the Western Yar River, a SSSI, which also has Freshwater Marshes to its south.

This lagoon was constructed 16 months ago, meaning the lagoon failed after less than a year of use. These leaks are at ground level and the black slurry can be seen to be joining the clear water of the river, the edge of a woodland and into the ditch flowing into the River Yar. Slurry is a highly polluting substance due to its high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphate which can cause significant damage to the surrounding rivers and marshes flora and fauna.

Our enquirer complained to EA who stated they will not take action as the event is only a Grade 3 Pollution Incident. ELF received advice and has written a letter setting out the breaches of the Environmental Permitting Regulations and impacts on SSSI, to be sent to the EA.