Farmer ordered to pay £4,000 for evading EA slurry water test
© Tim Scrivener Wiltshire-based farmer Neil Dyke has been fined after taking water samples off an Environment Agency (EA) officer who was investigating pollution from slurry on his farm.
The incident occurred in January when an environmental officer attended Chipps Farm near Warminster to investigate reports of pollution in the Rodden Brook.
Photos and water samples from the brook were taken by the EA officer after signs of slurry pollution were found.
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An ammonia test was also carried out, which found a maximum measurable reading of 10mg/litre.
Mr Dyke was reportedly on a tractor in a neighbouring field at the time, spreading slurry, and drove over to the officer to investigate.
He disputed the officer’s authorisation to take samples, and it is understood he then picked up the samples, put them in his tractor cab and drove off.
Mr Dyke admitted at Bath Magistrates Court on 31 July to intentionally obstructing an EA officer.
He was fined £289 and made to pay a victim surcharge of £116. Mr Dyke has also been ordered to foot the bill for £3,699 in legal costs.
A spokesperson for the EA said: “Dyke’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. The officer was carrying out his lawful duties to establish slurry pollution in the brook.
“We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone [who] tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment.”