AGRICULTURE expert Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn is warning that highly-toxic run-off from farms could leak into and pollute waterways in the North-East this summer if farmers are not vigilant.

With first cut silage hopefully already in the clamp, farmers are being urged to check they are not leaching pollutants into the ground.

If the effluent from the silage clamps gets into the waterways, it can have a devastating impact on fish, wildlife and ecosystems as it could be up to 200 times more toxic than untreated sewage.

Mr Wailes-Fairbairn said: “Silage effluent is extraordinarily toxic, so the damage it can cause to watercourse eco-systems is profound.”