A farm in Begelly has been prosecuted in court for agricultural pollution.

A case brought against Langdon Mills Farm Ltd, was heard at Haverfordwest magistrates Court on Monday, where the facility was charged with causing a water discharge activity, such as the discharge of any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter, namely silage effluent to enter a tributary of Creswell River.

The hearing heard how on January 21, 2016 Natural Resources Wales (NRW) investigated a report of pollution of the Cresswell River and a tributary.

NRW officers found that approximately 0.6 KM of the tributary was completely covered by sewage fungus, which is indicative of organic pollution, in this case silage effluent.

Sewage fungus was also present approximately 4KM downstream of Langdon Mill Farm in the Cresswell River.

This sewage fungus was traced back to Langdon Mill Farm, and it was discovered that the pollution was caused by a discharge of silage effluent via an overflow illegally fitted to the silage effluent collection tank. The overflow had been fitted to the tank to avoid emptying when full.

As a result, the silage effluent flowed into waters containing fish, to such an extent as to cause the said waters to be poisonous or injurious to fish/food of fish.

The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal water discharge activity (EPR38) and non-compliant silage clamp (SAFO) offence, and the company was handed a £3,000 fine for illegal water discharge, and ordered to pay costs of £3,420 and a £120 victim surcharge

“Silage effluent is one of the strongest pollutants that occurs on a farm,” said a spokesperson for NRW.

“Even in very small quantities its effects are devastating. As an organic pollutant it is more polluting than untreated domestic sewage.

“It is important that agricultural effluents are managed in safe way and the structures used are compliant with the relevant regulations.

“If any farmers require any further information or advice please contact your local NRW team on 03000 65 3000,” they added.