ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners started the largest ever pollution claim in the High Court in London today over the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk.

The claim is believed to be the biggest ever to be brought in Britain over domestic environmental pollution, and now has more than 4,500 people on board.

River Action is supporting the legal claim against industrial chicken producer Avara Foods Limited and its subsidiary Freemans of Newent Limited, as well as the region’s sewerage operator, Welsh Water.

The claim is that Avara’s and Freemans of Newent’s industrial chicken operations, plus Welsh Water’s management of the sewerage system, have resulted in widespread pollution in the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk.

Pollution has allegedly been caused by water run-off from farmland containing high levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and bacteria from poultry manure spread on the land as fertiliser.

The claim also alleges that bacteria and nutrient pollution in the rivers have been caused by the discharge of sewage directly into the rivers from Welsh Water sewerage systems.  

All three defendants have denied the allegations. 

River Action’s legal head Emma Dearnaley said: “This case comes at a critical time for some of our most cherished rivers and the communities connected to them.

“River Action supports this claim because it gives a voice to thousands of people who refuse to accept the continued degradation of their rivers. 

“Communities should not have to live with the consequences of sewage pollution or an intensive farming model that we believe pollutes their waterways.”

Welsh Water’s barrister Geraint Webb said in written submissions that there is an “evident paradox” in bringing the claim because it is a not-for-profit company.

He said: “If the claimants were to succeed in recovering damages in these proceedings from Welsh Water, then the effect would be to reduce the monies available to Welsh Water for infrastructure investment.”

The hearing will determine key aspects of the way the case will be managed, including a timetable and a deadline for other residents and businesses to join the legal claim.  

Judge David Cook described the claim as an “omnibus” which “anybody can get on board,” but that “anyone who wishes to get on board the bus must plead a case.”

A further hearing is expected at a later date.