A Donaghcloney farmer who discovered raw sewage bubbled up into his fields yesterday morning (Saturday, 14th) has said the scene was like something from a third world country.
He said the human waste, which appeared to be coming from a blockage on the main Donaghcloney to Waringstown sewage pipe, had affected a couple of acres of grass.
He feels part of the blame for the incident lies with an overloaded infrastructure system which simply can’t cope with the increased level of housing development in the area.
“Yesterday (Friday) I had been due to move 18 maiden heifers from the higher part of the outfarm to this lower part to graze and I just didn’t get round to.
“A similar blockage took place three or four years ago and I was told by NI Water that they would look into it, but that hasn’t happened,” added Kyle.
“I think this sewage spill must have been going on for a couple of days, because when you come into the field the smell is terrible and a nearby sheugh is running grey.
“We have silage to cut, but there are some farmers in the north west who haven’t been able to get their second cut done,” he added.
“There is currently an awful pressure on farmers. Men are in desparation.