A farmer who pleaded guilty to a slurry offence has been ordered to pay more than £4,700 to the Environment Agency.

Ian Alexander Murray, of Newby Hall, Carlisle, was charged with failing to properly store slurry arising from operations on his farm.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at North and West Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

He received a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay a contribution cost of £4,768.65 to the Environment Agency (EA).

Murray operated a dairy farm comprising 50 to 60 milking cows at Newby Hall – in an environmentally sensitive area.

Here watercourses drain into the River Irthing, a designated Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The EA explained that slurry poses a risk to the aquatic environment and if it finds its way into watercourses it can cause nutrient enrichment, reduce oxygen levels in the water and increase ammonia levels.

In worst-case scenarios it can lead to fish deaths.

Murray’s farm was inspected on several occasions. The EA said at the time of each visit, slurry was being stored on a concrete pad and the slurry tower remained full of slurry.

On a number of occasions he made commitments to carry out improvements, but this did not happen.

The EA added that Murray received extensive advice and guidance on the steps he needed to take to bring his slurry storage system into compliance with the regulations.

Salka Hintikka, from the EA, said: “Slurry is a valuable source of nutrients and can be used to replace fertilisers if stored and spread correctly. On the other hand, slurry can also cause significant environmental damage if it enters water courses.

“Legislation describes the minimum amount of slurry storage required on farms and sets out standards for the structures. This is to minimise the risk of pollution from the farming activity.

“Storing slurry in the farm yard rather than in a purpose built store ran a high risk of catastrophic spill.”

She added: “We always prefer working with farmers to achieve compliance through advice and guidance. However, we hope that this prosecution sends out a clear message that we take these offences seriously. It also shows to the farming community the importance of having sufficient slurry storage and keeping the structures in good working condition through inspections and maintenance.”