A FARMER has admitted discharging "poisonous, noxious or polluting matter" into fresh waters near Wellington.

David Colin Bartlett, 70, of Upcott Dairy Farm, Sampford Arundel, pleaded guilty to three offences committed on or before December 2, 2022, when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (December 5).

He admitted:

  • causing the discharge of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter from Upcott Dairy Farm into inland fresh waters other than under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit;
  • being a land manager, failing to ensure organic manure was not applied to agricultural land when the soil was waterlogged, flooded or snow covered;
  • being a land manager, failing to ensure manufactured fertiliser was not applied to agricultural land when the soil was waterlogged, flooded or snow covered.

The case was adjourned until Tuesday, January 30, for sentencing in the same court.