Environment Agency accused of ‘scandalous neglect’ over chicken excrement entering River Wye

Charity says new evidence shows how poultry farms are draining excrement into river system

The Environment Agency faces new allegations of neglect of the River Wye after a project by a conservation group found effluent and contaminated waters at free-range egg farms flowing directly into watercourses.

Of 47 sites visited in England and Wales in the Wye catchment, 19 had drains running from the poultry units to a nearby watercourse. Many of the farms had drains excavated within a few metres of the sheds.