A FARMER from Cumbria has admitted incorrectly storing dangerous slurry.

Ian Alexander Murray was in Carlisle Magistrates' Court on Friday for failing to properly store slurry arising from operations on his farm. Ian Murray, who pleaded guilty, received a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay a contribution cost of £4,768.65 to the Environment Agency.

The defendant operated a dairy farm comprising 50 to 60 milking cows at Newby Hall, Carlisle. The Farm is located in an environmentally sensitive area where watercourses drain into the River Irthing, a designated Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Slurry poses a risk to the aquatic environment and if it finds its way into watercourses it can cause nutrient enrichment, reduce oxygen levels in the water and increase ammonia levels and in worse case scenarios can lead to fish death.

Murray’s farm was inspected on several occasions. At the time of each visit, slurry was being stored on a concrete pad and the slurry tower remained full of slurry. On a number of occasions he made commitments to carry out improvements however this did not happen.

Ian Murray received extensive advice and guidance from the Environment Agency on the steps he needed to take to bring his slurry storage system into compliance with the Regulations.

Salka Hintikka from the Environment Agency said: “Slurry is a valuable source of nutrients and can be used to replace fertilisers if stored and spread correctly. On the other hand, slurry can also cause significant environmental damage if it enters water courses.

"Legislation describes the minimum amount of slurry storage required on farms and sets out standards for the structures. This is to minimise the risk of pollution from the farming activity. Storing slurry in the farm yard rather than in a purpose built store ran a high risk of catastrophic spill.

"We always prefer working with farmers to achieve compliance through advice and guidance. However, we hope that this prosecution sends out a clear message that we take these offences seriously.

"It also shows to the farming community the importance of having sufficient slurry storage and keeping the structures in good working condition through inspections and maintenance.”