A TEESDALE farmer has admitted polluting fresh water with blood and illegally accepting waste.
Adam Metcalfe, owner of Hutton Magna-based AWSM Farming and Recycling, was charged with 16 counts of failing to comply with Environment Agency directives between July 2011 and May 2015. The 37-year-old appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, pleading guilty to one count of disposing of controlled waste against environmental permit conditions at Lane Head Quarry.
He admitted another charge of neglect leading to “significant pollution” at Lane Head Farm in May 2015 after failing to notify the Environment Agency.
Barrister Lee Fish pleaded guilty on behalf of AWSM to five counts levelled against the firm.
Damage to fresh water and blood waste entering fresh water were among the charges admitted. Nine of the charges were dropped.
The company, which offers farm waste collection, liquid waste management and slurry storage, has been at the centre of a long running dispute with nearby residents.
Villagers have complained for years about smells emanating from the farm and the Environment Agency has threatened to revoke Mr Metcalfe’s waste recycling permit in the past.
Craig Hassall, prosecuting, said further investigations into the company were ongoing.
He added: “It is hoped that a decision can be made in relation to the investigation within the next couple of weeks – but that is not a matter to be dealt with today.
“Within 21 days we will have an idea when matters might reach court.”
Judge Sean Morris said a date for sentencing will be set before Christmas but it would be unlikely to be heard before then.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency welcomed the guilty pleas for the offences. Mr Metcalfe offered no comment.
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