Thousands take UK chicken producer, water company to court over river pollution

More than 4,500 people who live or work near three rivers in the UK -- the Wye, Lugg, and Usk -- are taking part in a High Court case in London on Monday.

It is being described as the largest environmental pollution lawsuit in UK history in terms of the number of claimants and the area involved.

The group is suing Avara Foods, one of the UK’s biggest poultry producers, and Welsh Water. They allege both companies have contributed to long-term pollution of rivers along the border between England and Wales, according to a report by BBC.

At the center of the dispute is the River Wye, a major and historically celebrated river. Local residents and campaigners say that in recent years it has increasingly turned green in summer, with unpleasant smells and slimy conditions.

They link this to intensive chicken farming in the surrounding area, where around 24 million birds are raised at any time -- about a quarter of the UK’s total poultry production.

The claim argues that large amounts of chicken manure spread on farmland are washing into rivers as runoff. This, they say, increases nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, encouraging excessive algae growth during warmer months.

The case also points to sewage discharges as another source of pollution.

Official assessments have raised concerns about the river’s condition. In 2023, Natural England classified the River Wye as being in “unfavorable - declining” condition.

A later action plan cited agricultural pollution, wastewater discharges, climate change, and lower summer water flows as key pressures affecting the river system.

The legal action, brought by law firm Leigh Day on a “no win, no fee” basis, includes claims of negligence and environmental harm such as nuisance and trespass. It seeks both financial compensation and measures to restore the rivers’ health.

Avara Foods has rejected the allegations, calling them “misconceived”, while Welsh Water says the case is “misguided” and highlights its investment in reducing pollution levels.