Officials act on pollution and fire risk of horse manure

A campaign is being launched throughout much of North Yorkshire following a sharp rise in complaints about horse manure which experts say is a growing pollution and fire hazard.

The number of incidents involving storage, spreading and burning of the muck in Ryedale has risen over the past few years, causing concerns for the Environment Agency, council bosses, and the fire service.

Agency officer Steve Richardson said: "The use of manure as a fertiliser is a centuries-old practice and we have no intention of stopping this. However the increase in horse riding as a leisure activity and the introduction of more and more stables has meant that large amounts of animal waste have become an increasing problem."

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Horse manure from stables is commercial waste. The deliberate burning of it is not only illegal but has led to a number of blazes so severe that the fire service had to be called.

After one incident a pall of smoke hung over the whole Malton area.

Storing large quantities of manure can also have a serious effect on the environment, the agency says.

If it is not stored correctly, the liquid run-off from it can have a serious impact on local water quality.

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In the next few months officers will visit farms and stables in Ryedale where large amounts of manure are kept to advise how to minimise the risk such heaps pose to the environment.

Mr Richardson added: "We prefer the approach of offering advice and guidance on pollution prevention. However, we will not hesitate to take the relevant enforcement action should it be necessary.

"Anyone storing and spreading horse manure has an obligation to make sure it is stored correctly and under no circumstances should it be set on fire."

For further information call the agency on 08708 506506 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk