Call to pause all new poultry unites
Recent research showed that Powys now has more than 150 intense poultry units, housing an estimated 10 million chickens.
It is alleged that they create an estimated extra 2,000 tonnes of phosphate a year to be spread onto land in the Wye catchment area, south of the county, potentially causing devastating river pollution.
The issues has reached a head in the Welshpool area with protest groups campaigning against mass poultry unit applications on the edge of the town.
Mrs Watson MS, Mid and West Wales, said: “It is a year since I asked for an urgent update on planning guidance for new poultry developments from the intensive agriculture working group, and this is even more urgent now.”
Campaigners say that animal waste, known as slurry, can cause environmental damage when it runs off the land into rivers and lakes, polluting the water and killing wildlife. It can also affect drinking water if it enters groundwater.
Natural Resources Wales has conceded that most of Wales’ major rivers are suffering from significant water pollution.
Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said she was working with the Climate Change Minister and Natural Resources Wales on this and said that local planners are legally required not to grant planning permission when special areas of conservation waters are under threat of excessive phosphates.
Speaking after the debate, Mrs Watson added: “Our beautiful rivers have suffered too many pollution incidents. These have a devastating impact and can take decades to recover from. Our rivers are one of our greatest assets, supporting our rural communities and generating income from tourism, water sports and angling, as well as being a vital part of our environment. And we all pay for pollution clean-ups through our water bills.
“I will continue to push for a moratorium on new developments until this issue is resolved.”
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