A landmark High Court case against Avara Foods and Welsh Water over alleged pollution of the Wye, Lugg and Usk is launched with more than 4,500 supporters, marking the largest UK environmental pollution case to date.

The first High Court hearing will set the case-management timetable, establish how residents and businesses can join the claim, and potentially disclose industrial locations involved in the pollution.

River Action’s Emma Dearnaley argues that nutrient pollution driven by industrial poultry production and sewage discharges must be reduced to protect the rivers for future generations.

Stakeholders note the Wye’s commercial fishing and salmon migration have declined, impacting livelihoods such as gillies and overall angling activity.

Avara Foods and Welsh Water deny the claims, contending that river health is influenced by multiple factors, including phosphorus levels that allegedly fell since the 1990s, while Welsh Water cites significant investments to reduce nutrients with more planned through 2030.

The case, brought by Leigh Day on a no-win no-fee basis, seeks accountability and compensation for those affected, arguing polluters should bear responsibility for the rivers’ decline.

Defendants deny the allegations, and the hearing will address the disclosure of poultry operation locations and deadlines for prospective claimants to join.

Oliver Holland of Leigh Day frames the case as a crucial step for environmental justice and broader community participation in challenging nutrient and sewage pollution.

Context shows government concern: Natural England rated the River Wye as unfavourable-declining in 2023, with the 2024 River Wye Action Plan citing excessive nutrients, wastewater discharges, climate change, and reduced flow.

Campaign group River Action is organizing a show of support outside the Royal Courts of Justice, including the Goddess of the Wye puppet, to draw attention to water quality.

The claim alleges pollution from industrial poultry operations and sewage mismanagement, with specific focus on nutrients and bacteria entering the rivers from poultry manure and discharges.

Claimants say chicken manure from expanding poultry farming and sewage spills cause algal blooms, green water, smells, and ecological harm.