Farmer fined for removing water pollution samples

An Environment Agency officer was inspecting the farm when the incident happened

A farmer who removed water sample bottles from an Environment Agency officer while they investigated his farm has been fined.

Wiltshire farmer Neil Dyke must pay more than £4,000 after the officer looked into a pollution incident that was reported in the Rodden Brook.

Dyke, 34, of Chipps Farm in Warminster, admitted intentionally obstructing an officer in the exercise of his duties at Bath Magistrates Court in July 31.

After the hearing the Environment Agency said Dyke's behaviour was "totally unacceptable".

Dyke was fined £289 and ordered to pay £116 victim surcharge and costs of £3,699.

The court heard that an officer went to the farm in January after reports of pollution in the area.

The agency said the officer noticed slurry pollution coming from a tractor and saw water in the brook was discoloured with foam on the surface and smelled strongly.

It added that after a water sample test, the results hit the maximum reading he could measure at around 10mg/l.

Dyke then arrived on a tractor and the officer explained what he was doing and twice asked him his name, but Dyke refused to give it.

Later, Dyke returned and disputed the officer’s authorisation to take a sample, and said he would not allow samples to be taken off site.

He then picked up the samples that were lying on the ground, putting them in the tractor cab, and repeatedly refused to give them back. He then drove off.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The officer was carrying out his lawful duties to establish slurry pollution in the brook.

"We will not hesitate in pursuing anyone tries to prevent our officers from carrying out work to protect the environment.”