Legal Battle Over River Wye Pollution Highlights Government and Agency Failures

Campaigners argue in court that lax enforcement and legal loopholes have allowed chicken farm waste to devastate one of the UK's most protected rivers.

• River Action takes Environment Agency to court, claiming failure to prevent farm pollution in River Wye.
• Feargal Sharkey, a pop star turned water quality campaigner, joins protesters outside the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre.
• The Wye, home to 25% of UK poultry production, faces ecological crisis due to nutrient overload from chicken manure.
• Legal challenge highlights a loophole allowing excessive manure disposal, despite environmental protections.
• Environment Agency conducted over 7,000 farm inspections since 2021, but campaigners say enforcement is insufficient.

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