🎧 Listen to today’s podcast
📚 Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | 中文 |
|---|---|---|
| landmark | An important stage or event in something. | 里程碑 |
| claimants | People who make a claim, especially in a legal case. | 索赔人 |
| allege | To state that someone has done something wrong, but without proof. | 指称 |
| vehemently | In a strong, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling. | 强烈地 |
| dismissed | Rejected or treated as unworthy of serious consideration. | 驳回 |
| vicinity | The area near or surrounding a particular place. | 附近 |
| leach | To remove a substance from something by a liquid passing through it. | 滤出 |
| underscores | Emphasises the importance of something. | 强调 |
📖 Read the Article
The UK High Court is currently presiding over a landmark legal case, described as the largest environmental pollution claim in the country’s history. This significant proceeding involves over 4,500 individuals who reside or work near the rivers Wye, Lugg, and Usk, situated along the Anglo-Welsh border. These claimants have initiated legal action against two prominent entities: Avara Foods, one of the UK’s largest chicken producers, and Welsh Water, a major water utility company.
The plaintiffs contend that these corporations are responsible for the severe pollution affecting these vital waterways. The River Wye, renowned for its natural beauty and considerable length, has reportedly suffered a marked decline. Residents describe how, in recent summers, its waters have frequently taken on a green hue, developed an unpleasant odour, and become noticeably slimy.
The legal challenge asserts that this pollution primarily stems from two sources: the widespread application of chicken manure on local agricultural fields and frequent sewage discharges. The collective group demands immediate measures to restore the rivers’ ecological health and seeks financial compensation for those whose livelihoods and quality of life have been adversely impacted.
Both Avara Foods, which operates numerous chicken farms in the region, and Welsh Water have vehemently denied the accusations. They have publicly dismissed the claims as both ‘misconceived’ and ‘misguided,’ suggesting a lack of understanding regarding the underlying issues.
Environmental campaigners have drawn attention to the considerable expansion of industrial chicken farming in the vicinity of the River Wye. Currently, approximately 24 million chickens are reared within the river’s catchment area, accounting for roughly a quarter of the total chicken population in the UK. Historically, the large quantities of manure produced by these farms were utilised as an inexpensive fertiliser. However, the lawsuit alleges that nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, frequently leach from this manure into the rivers. When these elevated nutrient levels combine with warmer temperatures, they create ideal conditions for ‘algal blooming,’ a phenomenon that causes the water to turn green and emit foul smells.
In 2023, Natural England, the official advisory body to the UK government on environmental matters, formally assessed the River Wye as being in an ‘unfavourable – declining’ condition. This ongoing case powerfully underscores the critical environmental challenges confronting some of the UK’s most treasured natural landscapes.
✏️ Reading Practice
1. What is the main purpose of the legal case discussed in the article?
- A.To fine farmers for using chicken manure as fertiliser.
- B.To seek compensation and demand action for river pollution caused by specific companies.
- C.To prevent the expansion of chicken farming in the UK.
- D.To monitor the water quality of rivers along the Anglo-Welsh border.
2. According to the claimants, what are the two primary causes of pollution in the rivers?
- A.Industrial waste and chemical run-off.
- B.Overfishing and recreational boating.
- C.Spreading of chicken manure and sewage spills.
- D.Natural erosion and climate change.
3. What does the phrase ‘algal blooming’ refer to in the context of the article?
- A.A process where rivers become clearer due to natural growth.
- B.A condition where excess nutrients cause the water to turn green and smell bad.
- C.A method used by farmers to fertilise their fields more efficiently.
- D.A legal term for environmental damage caused by corporations.
4. How do Avara Foods and Welsh Water respond to the accusations against them?
- A.They have agreed to pay compensation to the claimants.
- B.They are conducting their own investigation into the pollution.
- C.They have admitted partial responsibility for the problem.
- D.They have rejected the claims, calling them ‘misconceived’ and ‘misguided’.
5. What is the attitude of Natural England towards the condition of the River Wye?
- A.Optimistic about future improvements.
- B.Concerned that its condition is worsening.
- C.Neutral, as they are only an advisory body.
- D.Unaware of the specific issues affecting the river.