SHROPSHIRE Wildlife Trust has received a six-figure sum after the Environment Agency accepted an offer from a major north Shropshire dairy facility that failed to comply with permit conditions.

The payment is part of an ‘Enforcement Undertaking’ (EU) offered by the company for its failure in allowing effluent discharge into the River Tern at the Müller Dairy facility in Market Drayton in January 2018.  

The company has paid £100,000 towards the Trust’s work in restoring lost habitats, helping declining species, and inspiring future generations to care for nature in Shropshire.

The donation will contribute towards the delivery of watercourse protection and water enhancement projects on the River Tern. 

Pete Lambert, head of Land and Water at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Müller's donation will support the Land & Water Team who manage and improve the health of our county’s water by surveying aquatic species, running events and working with different partners to address flooding issues across the county.  

“The funds will support the delivery of vital watercourse protection and water quality enhancement projects using nature-based solutions including fencing and tertiary water treatment along a small tributary of the river Tern in north Shropshire.”   

Müller UK & Ireland Group LLP is the largest yoghurt producer in the UK.

OTHER NEWS:

The EU occurred as a result of three charges of failing to comply with permit conditions, under Regulation 38(2) when an inlet screen was bypassed during maintenance works.

Large pieces of fruit passed into the effluent treatment plant, leading to high levels of ammonia in the treated effluent discharged into the River Tern.

The effluent contained more than the permitted level of ammoniacal nitrogen for a period of 15 days from January 6, 2018 to January 20, 2018.  

Müller has since complied with the regulations and invested £2 million in improvements to improve environmental working practices.

Sarah Dennis, senior specialist for the Environment Agency, said: “This allows polluters to positively address and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents.  

“As well as donations totalling £100,000 to Shropshire Wildlife Trust that will bring great benefits to the environment, Müller UK & Ireland Group LLP has made significant improvements to its effluent treatment plants and staff training. 

“Please report any environmental issues to the Environment Agency’s 24 hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”  

The company has also paid the Environment Agency’s administration, investigation and legal costs.   

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