LEGAL action over pollution in the Wye, Lugg and Usk rivers was widened today to include Welsh Water.

The claim was first launched by residents last March, and initially took action against Avara Foods, its shareholder Cargill Plc, and subsidiary Freemans of Newent.

Legal firm Leigh Day claims that industrial-scale chicken farms managed by Avara are responsible for the bulk of river water pollution in the Wye catchment, as chicken manure creates phosphorus and nitrate pollution.

It says that these run into the Lugg and Usk rivers and result in algal blooms, which block sunlight and deprive the water of oxygen. 

The claim alleges public and private nuisance, and breaches of the environmental protection act. The firms deny the allegations. 

Leigh Day says that in addition, phosphorus and nitrates present in sewage discharges from Welsh Water’s operations are also contributing to the pollution.

A letter has been sent alleging that sewage operations have materially contributed to problems with odour, insect swarms, biodiversity loss and poor water quality.

According to Welsh Water data, it was responsible for 89,000 hours of sewage spills in the River Wye Catchment between 2021 and 2023, the law firm says.

Leigh Day partner Oliver Holland, who is leading the claim, said that it will be the biggest nuisance claim for sewage operations against a water company in Britain.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said: “We have just received a ‘letter before action’ and require time to consider the contents carefully before responding.

“We take our responsibility for protecting the environment seriously and over the next five years will invest £2.5 billion to improve the environment.

“Last spring we completed seven investment schemes, totalling £53 million, on the Wye a year ahead of schedule.”