Wye pollution claim passes 5,000 clients with less than month left to join

The group legal action is the largest environmental pollution claim of its kind in the UK and argues that pollution in the rivers, allegedly caused by chicken manure from industrial poultry operations and sewage pollution, has negatively impacted people in the area.

Around 5,100 residents in the river catchment areas who feel they have been impacted in a number of ways, including through their businesses, property values, and hobbies, have already joined the claim, which remains open to new claimants until 31 August, a cut-off date ordered by the High Court.

After that date, it will no longer be possible to join the legal claim, which alleges that pollution and consequent negative impacts stem from industrial poultry operations oversen by Avara Foods Limited and its UK subsidiary Freemans of Newent, and from the region’s sewerage system overseen by Welsh Water.

It is argued that chicken manure from the industrial poultry operations which is spread across the land as fertiliser then runs off and leeches into the rivers, causing an excess in nutrients and bacteria which pollutes the rivers.

The claim argues that this is the cause of species decline, regional sickness incidents when using the rivers, and algal blooms of the kind seen in the Wye at Monmouth last month.

Last month, Natural England validated the experiences of residents in the River Lugg region with their conservation update for the River Lugg Site of Special Scientific Interest. The update concluded that phosphorus levels exceed targets throughout the Lugg catchment and that excess nutrients are causing algal growth and changes to aquatic plant communities in this region.

The claim also argues that sewage discharges into the river have contributed to the nutrient and bacteria pollution in the rivers, with the region’s sewerage operator Welsh Water also a defendant in the claim.

Last year, Environment Agency data revealed that at least 12,500 hours' worth of sewage was spilled in England alone across 45 locations by Welsh Water from overflow incidents in 2024.

The rivers and their tributaries span south Wales and western England, with the claim open to people impacted in their private lives through hobbies such as kayaking or wild swimming, as well as financially through the value of their waterfront homes or impacts on businesses such as tourism and fishing. People affected by the Lugg planning moratorium are also eligible to join.

Leigh Day partner Oliver Holland said:

“We are now entering the final few weeks for residents and businesses to join what is the first and largest environmental claim of its kind concerning pollution in the UK. The claim seeks to address the serious pollution affecting the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk and currently includes more than 5,000 resident and businesses who say they have suffered a range of consequences, from personal effects on their homes and enjoyment of the rivers to losses affecting local businesses and house building.

“Anyone who believes they have been affected should ensure they join the claim before the August Bank Holiday deadline.”