Highly-toxic run-off from local farms could add to the pollution problem in South East waterways this summer.

This comes off the back of warnings given by Amanda Harman at agricultural insurance broker Lycetts.

Ms Harman urges farmers across the South East to check their silage clamps promptly.

This is due to the recent slew of substantial fines between £5,000 to £20,000 that UK farmers have been compelled to pay after leaks from their silage clamps polluted local watercourses.

Ms Harman, speaking from the Lycetts Godalming office, said: "With the silage season upon us, it is vital that South East farmers check their silage clamps now - before the first cut - to prevent highly-toxic run-off from entering nearby waterways.

"Silage effluent, which can be up to 200 times more toxic than untreated sewage, poses a significant threat to aquatic life, wildlife, and broader ecosystems."

Hampshire Chronicle:

The 'State of Our Rivers' report by The Rivers Trust in February revealed that agricultural pollution is accountable for 62 per cent of English waterways not meeting good standards for chemical and biological pollution.

Ms Harman explained: "It’s essential that all parts of the silage storage system, from pipes to tanks, are well maintained. Silage clamps and all drainage systems should be carefully inspected checked to make sure they are airtight and leak-free."

She advised that a deep clean would facilitate leak detection.

However, farmers are cautioned against causing any damage to protective lining, asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Ms Harman added: "Farmers should check that the floor is sound, that cracks are properly repaired and that wall coatings and overlapping protective films are intact."

She further advised that collection channels and drains should be routinely cleaned to ensure they are watertight and free from blockages.

After filling the clamps, farmers should monitor effluent levels regularly and check adjacent watercourses for signs of pollution.

She continued: "Farmers must be proactive in their approach to managing silage storage.

"The consequences of negligence are not only environmentally disastrous but also financially very damaging, as the substantial fines for pollution incidents are not covered by insurance."

To support such measures, Lycetts offers comprehensive insurance and risk management services to the agricultural sector to help them meet health, safety, and environmental standards.