SHEEP farmers in East Lancashire who illegally dump sheep dip on their land could face a spell in prison or fines of up to £20,000.

Toxic substances from dip compounds are responsible for polluting 250km of rivers in the North West, including part of the Ribble, Lune, Pendle and Hodder over the last decade.

Even small quantities of sheep dip can have a devastating effect on the watercourse, wiping out species of fish and aquatic insects and damaging the food chain.

Sheep dip may be disposed on land, but under new groundwater regulations it must be authorised by the Environment Agency.

But the move has angered sheep farmers, who will have to pay £92 to cover them for the first four years.

This month the Environment Agency will write to all 300 farmers in Lancashire who must reply within 28 days, whether they believe they need authorization or not.

Environment Agency protection officer Nick Hepworth said: "We would appreciate the assistance of Lancashire farmers in contacting us as soon as possible to confirm if they are disposing sheep dip on their land.

"The Agency can then assess the possible risk of pollution at each property and work with the farmers to ensure that the environment of Lancashire is protected from the devastating effects of sheep dip pollution.

"With a Government subsidy currently in place to help cover the annual costs for the first four years of each Authorisation, we hope that all farmers will contact the Agency to ensure that sheep dipping practices are properly authorised."

Sheep dipping and other treatments such as spraying and injections are crucial for the health of the flock as they prevent disease such as sheep scab.

Veronica Waller of the NFU said: "The Environment Agency is concerned about sheep dip getting into the groundwater, and that is fair enough. What sheep farmers are balking at is having to pay for the privilege. Because of the bureaucracy involved, it may put farmers off dipping altogether.

"Farmers should dispose of the ship dip carefully but, at a time which is difficult for sheep farmers anyway, they could do without the extra charge."

Clitheroe sheep farmer Thomas Binns, who runs Heckling Farm at Downham, said: "When the regulations first came to Downing Street last spring it was felt that the Environment Agency was trying to raise capital from the industry to protect something that should have been policed anyway.

"We have always had clean groundwater regulations to protect the environment, but now there is a price attached."