River Pollution from Agriculture

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd – in the Senedd at 2:44 pm on 13 October 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:44, 13 October 2021

I will certainly agree with both of your statements. I would never say that all pollution is caused by agricultural practices. There are many sources of pollution, and I would say the majority of farmers absolutely care for the environment. However, we are seeing unacceptable limits of agricultural pollution—and I referred to the regulations that came into force earlier this year.

In relation to your other point, around other sources of pollution, obviously, where water companies fail to comply with their permit conditions, or they operate without a permit—and you'll be aware that NRW issue permits for storm overflows, for instance—NRW will investigate and, where appropriate, will take enforcement action. So, you're absolutely right—it is important that our regulators play their part as well.