The Environment Agency “are confident” they know which farm caused a large slurry pollution of the River Weaver in Nantwich, according to a Defra letter.
The EA has been probing the most recent case in late August which left potentially thousands of fish washed up dead along the river edge in Nantwich.
Now a letter to Crewe & Nantwich MP Connor Naismith from Defra officials suggests they have identified the source of this incident.
In the letter seen by Nantwich News, Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Defra, writes: “The EA is confident it has identified the principal source of the pollution of the most recent death, and a full investigation is underway.
“Unfortunately, specific reasons cannot be provided for legal reasons. However, the EA will take robust and appropriate enforcement action against any polluters found to be responsible.”
Ms Hardy said that since serious pollution incidents back in October 2023, the EA has carried out 186 inspections across 146 farms in the Upper Weaver catchment.
This has resulted in 194 environmental improvements, nine compliance notices and 77 formal warnings.
Ms Hardy adds: “The EA remains firmly committed to protecting our rivers and wildlife and is grateful for the vigilance of the public and the cooperation of all parties involved in ensuring a rapid and effective response to this incident.
“The EA will continue to monitor the River Weaver closely and work in partnership with local angling clubs and voluntary groups. This stretch of water remains a priority.”
Local campaign group Restore the Weaver recently erected a banner near the river on Mill Island, calling the farming community to help find out who is responsible.
But the banner was ripped down over the weekend.
A spokesperson for Restore the Weaver campaign group sad: “Its purpose was to highlight the damage local farming is causing to the river.
“Even without slurry, the condition of the upper weaver is classed as poor with contributing factors such as soil run off and chemicals.
“Of course, not all farmers are to blame. But someone in the farming community knows who is responsible for the latest slurry pollution and should come forward.”
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