Nearly 4,000 individuals in England and Wales have initiated legal proceedings concerning alleged sewage pollution impacting three rivers, notably the Wye. This case represents one of the largest environmental group actions in recent history, with 3,943 residents and business owners seeking significant damages from Welsh Water, Avara Foods Ltd, and Freemans of Newent Ltd. They claim these entities are responsible for “extensive and widespread pollution” affecting the Wye, Lugg, and Usk rivers.
The plaintiffs are requesting the court to mandate that the companies undertake cleanup efforts for the rivers, which are recognized for their ecological significance and support for various endangered species, including otters, freshwater pearl mussels, and Atlantic salmon. Oliver Holland, an international and group claims partner at Leigh Day representing the claimants, noted that this legal claim emerged from extensive community efforts to monitor and advocate for the rivers’ health.
All three firms involved in the lawsuit—Avara Foods, Freemans of Newent, and Welsh Water—have denied the allegations. According to recent reports, pollution from chicken farming is significantly harming the Wye and other rivers, with approximately 23 million chickens raised in the river’s catchment area, contributing to severe ecological damage.
The introduction of sewage and excess poultry manure has led to elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, resulting in algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels and threaten fish populations, impacting biodiversity. Key claimant Justine Evans, a wildlife filmmaker residing in the Wye area since 2012, expressed her concern regarding the river’s deterioration, noting a shift in public perception of the river’s condition among children growing up in the area.
Furthermore, the broader state of rivers across England and Wales has raised alarm, with no river currently meeting good biological and chemical standards due to pollutants, leading to drastic declines in fish populations, particularly salmon.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/08/thousands-take-legal-action-widespread-pollution-three-rivers-in-england-wales