After its dairy plant discharged high levels of ammonia into the River Tern near its Market Drayton, Shropshire, headquarters, Müller has made a substantial contribution to a wildlife charity. The Environment Agency (EA) stated that the incident occurred in January 2018 during maintenance work, when large pieces of fruit entered the factory’s effluent treatment plant, causing the pollutant to exceed permitted levels for 15 days.
The largest yoghurt manufacturer in the United Kingdom, Müller, has donated £100,000 to Shropshire Wildlife Trust and invested £2 million in improved environmental practises. Sarah Dennis from the EA commented on the case, stating, “The Environment Agency is increasingly using this method of enforcement in appropriate cases to restore the environment, improve the practises of the offending company, and avoid lengthy criminal court proceedings.” However, we will prosecute when necessary.”
Donated funds will be used for watercourse protection projects along the Tern, as well as for nature-based solutions such as fencing and tertiary water treatment. Pete Lambert from the charity stated, “Müller’s donation will support the land and water team, which manages and improves the health of our county’s water by surveying aquatic species, running events, and collaborating with various partners to address flooding issues in the county.”
Due to pollution from nearby industries, contamination of the River Tern has been an ongoing problem. The EA has been using enforcement undertakings to enable polluters to positively address and restore any environmental damage they have caused. Helping to protect rivers in Shropshire, Müller’s donation and investment in improved practises is a step in the right direction. The BBC has sought comment from Müller.
