WINSFORD and Middlewich farmers are being warned to comply with new regulations to protect groundwater, or face up to £20,000 in fines.

The Environment Agency is in the process of sending letters to growers and sheep farmers across the north west to explain their legal obligations under a new European directive.

From March 31 it will be illegal to dispose of sheep dip or any other listed substance to land without an authorisation from the agency, in order to protect groundwater.

And the letters to farmers detail the types of agricultural activity covered by the legislation and how to apply for an authorisation

Mark Chandler, the Environment Agency's regional pollution prevention officer, said: "These new regulations will affect many farmers and we want to work closely with them to maximise environmental benefits and minimise the administrative load.

"Our advice to farmers is, if they think that their activities fall within the scope of the regulations, they should contact their local Environment Agency office as soon as possible in order to meet the deadline."

He added: "Groundwater provides about 35 per cent of the nation's drinking water which can be very costly to clean up when polluted - prevention, therefore, is better than cure."

Farmers who think they are affected by the groundwater regulations should contact the Environment Agency on 0645 333111.

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