Thousands of residents join unprecedented fight against major food producer: 'It's horrible to think what has happened'

When individuals and businesses pollute the public water sources that we rely on for recreation and to beautify our environment, there are often legal repercussions. However, it is rarer for the people affected to bring a lawsuit directly against the polluters. 

Recently, in the U.K., almost 4,000 people have joined in on a legal claim regarding the pollution of three rivers in their communities — the largest legal action of its kind, the BBC reported.

What's happening?

Wildlife filmmaker Justine Evans is the lead claimant in a suit regarding the Wye, Lugg, and Usk rivers in Wales and England. Along their hundreds of miles of length, they pass through a national park and other heritage sites, as well as private property and beloved communities. People live, work, and vacation along these waters.

Unfortunately, 23 million chickens are being raised in the River Wye's catchment area. All three rivers are alleged to be contaminated with chicken manure and sewage spills.

Evans said she has seen a "stark decline" in the water quality over the years, with the river going from clear to brown and murky, and added, "It's horrible to think what has happened to the wildlife it is home to," per the BBC.

Avara Foods Limited, Freemans of Newent Limited, and Welsh Water have been named in the lawsuit. All of them denied the claims that they have contributed significantly to "extensive and widespread pollution" that has caused "substantial damages" to local businesses, property values, and general enjoyment of the area.

Why is this lawsuit important?

When businesses cause pollution to the air (such as particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants) or to a water source, it can travel hundreds of miles and affect people who have nothing to do with the source of the problem. The harm can range from causing severe illness to simply ruining the view and making daily life more unpleasant. 

No business should be allowed to cause widespread damage to thousands of people across hundreds of miles just to make a buck — but it can be incredibly difficult to hold the polluters responsible for the harm they cause in these cases because it is difficult to quantify, and each one of the individuals harmed may suffer only small damages. 

By banding together, the many people being affected by these companies have an opportunity to stand up to the larger, wealthier businesses causing the problem.

What's being done about these polluted rivers?

While the case has not yet been decided, the fact that this lawsuit has been brought is a step in the right direction. 

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Oliver Holland from Leigh Day called the claim "the culmination of an extraordinary effort by local community members and campaign groups to research, monitor and advocate for their rivers," per the BBC. "This is the largest legal action concerning environmental pollution ever brought in the UK," he added. "In a context where government and regulators have failed to prevent the degradation of our rivers the court has become the last avenue for justice."

Ministers in Westminster and Cardiff Bay have also set up a joint £1 million (about $1.3 million USD) fund to investigate the sources of the River Rye's pollution.

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