The Sormonne, a tributary of the Meuse located near Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes), was polluted over 4.5 kilometers on August 18.
All fish living in the disaster area are dead.
In question, the overflow of the basin of a methanization unit of a farm in Girondelle (Ardennes), explains France 3 Grand Est.
The farm manager opened the valve to fill the tank used to collect the liquid from the separation of the slurry.
He then left to spread.
His tractor, however, broke down.
Busy in launching repairs, he did not return to close the valve.
When he returned, 20,000 liters of liquid had contaminated the watercourse.
The operator immediately informed the authorities and other breeders, whose cattle sometimes drink in the Sormonne.
Because of the drought, the firefighters were only able to intervene on Tuesday to dilute the pollutant.
The next storms and their effect on the flow are particularly expected.
The farmer faces two years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.
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