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SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE Making it work togetherw w w . s c o t l a n d . g o v . u k

revention ofnvironmentalollutionromgricultural ctivity

PEPFAA

DOs and DON’Ts Guide

CONTENTS

Page

Section 1 Introduction 3

Section 2 Diffuse Agricultural Pollution 5

Section 3 The Collection, Storage and Application to Land of Livestock Slurries and Animal Manures 7

Section 4 Non-Agricultural Wastes and Other Imported Organic Wastes 11

Section 5 Nitrogen and Phosphorus 13

Section 6 Silos and Silage Effluent 17

Section 7 Prevention and Control of Emissions to Air 19

Section 8 Sheep Dip 21

Section 9 Pesticides 23

Section 10 Disposal of Animal Carcasses 25

Section 11 Agricultural Fuel Oil 27

Section 12 Waste Management and Minimisation 29

Section 13 Soil Protection and Sustainability 31

© Crown copyright 2002

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PEPFAA DOs AND DON’Ts GUIDE – SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTIONThis booklet has been produced by the Scottish Executive with the assistance ofmembers of the Scottish Agricultural Pollution Group (SAPG) which includes NFUScotland, SAC and SEPA working in partnership with the Executive. The guidancepresented in this booklet is intended to protect and enhance Scotland’senvironment in line with the vision presented in the Scottish Executive’s “ForwardStrategy for Scottish Agriculture”.

The purpose of this booklet is to provide farmers and crofters and those involvedin farming activities, such as agricultural contractors and companies involved inspreading organic manures to land, with practical guidance on how to preventpollution.

This booklet is not intended to be exhaustive and reference should therefore bemade to the current version of the Prevention of Environmental Pollution FromAgricultural Activity (PEPFAA) Code for further guidance.

The steps highlighted in red in the “DO” and “DON’T” Sections in thisbooklet are mandatory for farm businesses affected by the relevant legislation.Those in green are voluntary but if implemented will help minimise the riskof environmental pollution and in many cases, will improve the quality of yourenvironment.

In the event of a pollution emergency SEPA should be your first point of contacton their Emergency Hotline Number 0800 80 70 60.

Copies of this document can be found in electronic format atwww.scotland.gsi.gov.uk

PEPFAA DOs AND DON’Ts GUIDE – SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

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5

PEPFAA DOs AND DON’Ts GUIDE – SECTION 2

DOsCarefully plan all storage andhandling arrangements for livestockslurries and manures, animalfeedstuffs, silage effluent, agriculturalfuel oil, dirty water, fertilisers,veterinary medicines, chemicals andpesticides at your farm.

Maintain a suitable distance from any watercourse including ditches(e.g. 10m) or drinking water supplies(e.g. 50m), especially when handlingor applying fertilisers, organic wastes,pesticides or other chemicals.

DON’TsEmploy any agricultural contractor orcompany involved in spreadingorganic waste to land unless they arecompetent and suitably trained,aware of legal requirements and arewilling to follow the guidance in thisbooklet and the PEPFAA Code.

Allow the run-off from roads,farmyards, hard standings and ringfeeder areas used by stock todischarge directly to a watercourse.

Allow livestock to have access towatercourses. Instead, provide waterat drinking troughs, if at all possible.

Diffuse agricultural pollution contaminates the air, soil and waterenvironments. Activities such as ploughing, seedbed preparation, cropspraying, fertiliser spreading and applying slurry to land can all contribute to diffuse pollution. Run-off from farm roads and yards, the surface of fields,and dusty roofs after rainfall, are all potential sources of pollution. There istherefore a wide range of potential diffuse pollution sources which areassociated with farming practices and which can harm the environment.Diffuse pollution is projected by SEPA to be the most significant cause of riverquality downgrading by 2010, unless early action is taken to prevent thisoccurring.

The total effect of a number of individually minor sources of contaminationbecomes increasingly significant over an entire catchment area. Smallwatercourses, affording little dilution, are more likely to be adversely affectedby diffuse pollution than larger rivers, but diffuse sources of nutrients can alsoaffect large water bodies, especially lochs which are naturally poor, in terms ofplant nutrients.

Specific activities which lead to diffuse pollution are dealt with in detail infollowing sections.

SECTION 2

DIFFUSE AGRICULTURALPOLLUTION

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DOsThink about ways to protect andenhance your local environment andhow to minimise the impacts ofdiffuse agricultural pollution of water, land and air.

Account for every input, especially of nutrients, pesticides and otherchemicals through careful planning.

Follow the Scottish Executive “Four Point Plan”, the individualcomponents of which are specified as follows:• produce and implement a risk

assessment for manures andslurries;

• produce and implement a farmnutrient plan;

• protect watercourses and carry out water margin management;

• undertake a separate assessment of farmyard drainage.

Ensure that any biobed, reedbed,wetland or infiltration system installed to reduce the risk of diffusepollution is discussed with SEPAbefore it is constructed.

Obtain specialist advice whenconsidering using wetlands, ponds or infiltration systems to treatcontaminated roof or dirty yard run-off at the farm steading.

Adopt “good housekeeping” andwaste minimisation practices that aim to prevent pollution at source.

Protect your soil by following theguidance in this Code regardingpreventing damage and erosion.

Use buffer strips and other measuresto reduce surface run-off from fields.

Minimise the area of farmyard androads over which animals can excreteand equipment transporting slurry ismoved. Take steps to control the run-off for these areas.

DON’TsLeave cultivated soils which are lighttextured without a crop or stubblecover during the autumn and winterperiod.

Use pesticides, veterinary medicinesor chemicals unless there is anidentified need.

Allow the rain water from poultrybuildings that are ventilated to theroof to discharge directly to awatercourse.

Directly overspray a watercoursewhen using pesticides.

Hesitate in getting involved incatchment partnerships with yourneighbours, FWAG, SAC, SEPA andothers.

Forget that over abstraction ofirrigation water from watercoursescan cause downstream waterpollution.

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DOsComply with the Control of Pollution(Silage, Slurry and Agricultural FuelOil) (Scotland) Regulations 2001.

• Notify SEPA before bringing intouse any new, substantially enlargedor substantially reconstructed slurrystorage facility, which togetherwith existing storage capacityshould provide 6 months unlessotherwise agreed with SEPA.

• Maintain a freeboard of at least0.3m, for above ground slurrystores and, 0.75m, for slurrylagoons.

• Collect all ‘seepage’ from farmyardmanure and high-level slattedbuildings as this is classed as‘slurry’ under the 2001Regulations.

DON’TsAllow effluent to escape frommiddens, byres or high-level slattedbuildings as this is an offence underthe Control of Pollution Act 1974 (asamended).

Employ any agricultural contractor orcompany involved in spreading farmmanure and slurries to land unlessthey are competent and suitablytrained.

Store slurry or semi-solid manure inmiddens.

Allow dairy washings, parlour or byre drainage, or slurry spilled duringhandling to enter clean water drainsor watercourses.

Forget that slurries and manures are a valuable resource and if properlyutilised will save you money as well as protecting the environment.

SECTION 3

THE COLLECTION, STORAGEAND APPLICATION TO LAND OF LIVESTOCK SLURRIES ANDANIMAL MANURES

Livestock slurries and animal manures, are valuable sources of nutrients forimproving soil quality but highly polluting in the wrong place, for example, in ariver. Very rapid and severe oxygen depletion of the water can result leading tothe death of fish and invertebrates for many kilometres downstream. They canalso be associated with the microbiological contamination of surface andground waters and give rise to potential health risks if insufficient precautionsare taken.

Pollution risk can occur at all stages of manure and slurry handling includingcollection, storage, transport and land application. The risk of pollutionoccurring is higher with liquid systems. At all times the quantity of materialrequiring to be handled must be minimised.

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DOs• Prepare and implement a Farm

Waste Management Plan (This ismandatory if specified by SEPA inthe terms of a Notice served underthe Control of Pollution (Silage,Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil)(Scotland) Regulations 2001).

Consult SEPA if you are planning touse a waste treatment plant on yourfarm as it may require a consent,authorisation or permit to be sought.

Follow the Scottish Executive “FourPoint Plan” which is made up of thefollowing points:

• produce and implement a riskassessment for manures andslurries;


• protect watercourses and carry outwater margin management;

• undertake a separate assessment of farmyard drainage.

Keep clean water and dirty waterseparate.

Minimise unroofed collection yards,feed passages etc.

Repair or replace roof gutters anddownpipes that are broken or missing.

Regularly check effluent tanks, slurrytanks and slatted tanks to avoidoverflow.

Ensure proper maintenance and repair of all slurry storage tanks,pipework and valves.

Be a ‘good neighbour’ and:

• avoid spreading close to domesticor public buildings;

• avoid spreading at weekends orpublic holidays;

DON’TsSpread livestock slurries:

• within 10m of a watercourse or atleast 50m of a drinking watersupply;

• to steeply sloping fields, when thesoil is wet or waterlogged, there isa flooding risk or when heavyrainfall is forecast;

• when the soil has been frozen for 12 hours or longer in thepreceding 24 hours or is covered in snow;

• at a rate that fails to account forthe overall suitability of the land. In any case, the rate should neverexceed either 50m3/ha (normal rate 25-30m3/ha or 2,200-2,700gallons/acre) for surface spreading.

Cause direct and indirect entry oflivestock slurry into the drainagesystem, especially with soil injectioninto fields with gravel backfilleddrains.

Mix slurry with silage effluent inconfined spaces as dangerous fumescan be fatal.

Enter a tank unless all recommendedsafety procedures have been followed.

Spread when fields have been pipe or mole drained, or subsoiled overexisting drains within the last12 months.

Apply manures or slurries to anystatutory conservation sites or otherareas with a conservation,archaeological or historic valuewithout prior notification to ScottishNatural Heritage (SNH).

Build a woodchip corral withoutcarrying out a detailed assessment ofpollution risks to surface and groundwaters. Consult with SEPA about thesite selection.

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DOs• spread livestock slurries and

manures when the wind directionis away from public/residentialareas and areas designated fortheir conservation value;

• avoid, where possible, spreadingin the hours of darkness.

Locate any field heap of farmyardmanure:

• at least 10m away from any cleansurface water or field drain orwatercourse and at least 50mfrom any spring, well or borehole.

• as far away from residentialhousing as possible.

Spread livestock slurries and manuresonly when field and weatherconditions are suitable to preventwater pollution.


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DOsComply with the Sludge (Use inAgriculture) Regulations 1989 (as amended) by:

• Analysing sludge and soil prior tospreading.

• Avoiding applying sewage sludgeto soils with a pH of less than 5.0.

• Following all mandatory stockgrazing, cropping and harvestingrestrictions.

Assess the risk of pollution and landsuitability for the application of non-agricultural wastes to land. Preventdirect and indirect entry of the wasteinto drains, especially with soilinjection into fields with gravelbackfilled drains.

DON’TsStore non-agricultural wastes unlesssuch storage is secure and suitableand has been discussed with SEPA inadvance.

Employ any waste contractor orcompany involved in spreadingwastes unless they are competentand fully trained.(Competency for those involvedspreading wastes will be looked at byThe Scottish Executive in takingforward amendments to the WasteManagement Licensing Regs.)

Permit any non-agricultural wastes tobe applied without first knowing thenutrient analysis of the waste and thecontent of Potentially Toxic Elements(PTEs) and pathogens.

Currently the main non-agricultural organic wastes applied to agriculturalland include sewage sludge, paper mill sludges, dairy, distillery and foodprocessing wastes, composts and blood and gut contents. Although manyof these wastes potentially have valuable fertilising and soil conditioningproperties, their application under unsuitable conditions or at inappropriaterates can give rise to contamination of soil, water and air.

Certain non-agricultural wastes (particularly those from the food andabattoir industries) are potentially even more polluting than farm manures.Application to agricultural land must be carried out to ensure beneficialrecycling of nutrients and not as a cheap method of waste disposal. Thissection recommends management practices which can be adopted to avoid,or at least minimise, the risk of causing pollution.


SECTION 4

NON-AGRICULTURAL WASTESAND OTHER IMPORTEDORGANIC WASTES

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DOsCheck with the Safe Sludge Matrix (an agreement between the UK water industry and the British RetailConsortium on sludge use), your farm quality assurance schemes and your produce buyer before usingnon-agricultural wastes. Use of suchmaterial may have commercialconsequences for acceptability ofproduce to retailers and processors.

Follow the guidance that exists in theCode of Practice for Agricultural Useof Sewage Sludge.

Account for non-agricultural wastewhen implementing a Farm WasteManagement Plan and check on howsafely the waste can be used in yourfarm system.

Establish and agree whatresponsibilities and measures thewaste provider or contractor will needto take to avoid pollution and odournuisance.

Leave an untreated strip a minimumof 10m wide beside all watercoursesand at least 50m from any spring,well or borehole.

Avoid the risk of surface run-off.Consider contour injection wherethere is a risk of injected wastesrunning out of the injection slots onsloping land.

Prepare and implement a nutrientplan for the land treated and reduceinorganic fertiliser use by fullyallowing for the available nutrients inthe waste. This is mandatory forsewage sludge.

Seek professional advice if in doubtabout how to manage importedwastes on your farm.

Spread non-agricultural wastes onlywhen field and weather conditionsare suitable to prevent soil and waterpollution.

DON’TsSpread liquid sewage sludge andother liquid organic wastes:

• within 10m of a watercourse or50m of a drinking water supply;

• to steeply sloping fields, when thesoil is wet or waterlogged, there isa flooding risk or when heavyrainfall is forecast;

• when the soil has been frozen for12 hours or longer in thepreceding 24 hours or is coveredin snow;

• at a rate that fails to account forthe overall suitability of the land.In any case, the rate should neverexceed either 50m3/ha for surfacespreading;

• when fields have been pipe ormole drained, or subsoiled overexisting drains within the last12 months.

Apply wastes at rates greater thancrop rotation requirements.

Apply raw or untreated sewagesludge on land for food production.

Allow spreading of non-agriculturalwastes on your land outwith daylighthours.

Apply imported wastes to anystatutory conservation sites (e.g. SSSIs or NNRs) or other areaswith a conservation, archaeological or historic value without priornotification to Scottish NaturalHeritage (SNH).The current EU controls on animal by-products (including blood and gut contents) are under review andrevised provisions are expected to beintroduced in the early part of 2003.

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DOsComply with the statutoryrequirements of the ActionProgramme Regulations if you arefarming within an NVZ.

• Prepare and implement a fertiliserand manure plan.

DON’TsApply chemical fertiliser (containingnitrogen) within closed periods in NVZAction Programme Regulations unlessthere is a specific crop requirement.

Nitrate concentration in rivers and groundwaters has been increasing in recentdecades in many areas of Scotland. This is a cause for concern for two mainreasons. Firstly, because of possible risks to human health posed by high levelsof nitrate in drinking water. Secondly, elevated levels of nitrate are consideredto be significant contributors to eutrophication in coastal waters.

The Protection of Water against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution (Scotland)Regulations 1996 implements the requirements of EC Nitrates Directive. The Regulations require SEERAD to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) where surface freshwaters or groundwaters exceed, or could exceed, 50 mg/litre of nitrates and where waters are, or may become, eutrophic.Action Programme Regulations will be introduced to such NVZs to reducenitrate pollution.

Action Programme Regulations may be different for each NVZ or parts of NVZsand as such, this section only gives a broad outline of requirements. Furtherdetails are available in the individual action programme for each NVZ.Phosphorus can also contribute to eutrophication of freshwaters andagricultural land can be a significant source of phosphorus input towatercourses particularly by soil erosion. The risk of nitrate and phosphorusfrom fertilisers and organic manures reaching a watercourse can be minimisedby following the mandatory and voluntary measures given in this section.

Until such time as the 1997 PEPFAA Code is reviewed, those who wish toknow more about this section should refer to the Nitrogen and PhosphorusSupplement which sets out guidance in greater detail.

MANDATORY FOR FARMERS IN NITRATE VULNERABLE ZONES (NVZs)


SECTION 5

NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS

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DOs• Ensure that adequate records are

kept for land within NVZs relatingto livestock numbers, use ofinorganic fertiliser and use oforganic manures.

Ensure that minimum storagerequirements for livestock manure areprovided for the purposes of NVZAction Programme Regulations, takingaccount of the need to comply withthe Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurryand Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland)Regulations 2001.

• Locate any field midden at least10m away from any clean surfacewater or field drain or watercourseand at least 50m from any spring,well or borehole.

Take account of ‘local environmentalfactors’ before applying nitrogenfertilisers. This includes:

• Soil conditions, type and slope.

• Climatic conditions, rainfall andirrigation.

• Land use and agricultural practice,including crop rotation systems.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers as preciselyas possible.

RECOMMENDED FOR ALLFARMERS

Sow winter cereals in time toestablish a suitable crop cover in theautumn to winter period.

Locate any field midden, or fertiliserstorage site at least 10m away fromany clean surface water or field drainor watercourse and at least 50m from any spring, well or borehole.

Take account of local environmentalfactors before applying nitrogenfertilisers.

Produce and implement a farmnutrient plan.

DON’TsApply chemical fertiliser (containingnitrogen) in a location or mannerwhich makes it likely that the fertiliserwill directly enter a watercourse.

Apply organic manure where theapplication would result in the totalnitrogen (in kilograms) contained inorganic manure exceeding permittedrates in NVZ Action ProgrammeRegulations.

Apply slurry, poultry manures or liquiddigested sewage sludge to sandy orshallow soils within closed periods inNVZ Action Programme Regulations.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers in excess ofcrop requirements or to any land ifthe soil is waterlogged.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers if the land isflooded or if the soil has been frozenfor 12 hours or longer in thepreceding 24 hours.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers to any landcovered with snow or to steeplysloping fields.

Allow livestock to have direct accessto watercourses. Instead, providewater at drinking troughs, if at allpossible.

Plough up permanent pasture, ifpossible.

Apply chemical fertilisers in a locationor manner which makes it likely thatthe fertiliser will directly enter awatercourse.

Over-compact soil.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers in excess ofcrop requirements or to any land ifthe soil is waterlogged.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers if the land isflooded or if the soil has been frozenfor 12 hours or longer in thepreceding 24 hours.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers to any landcovered with snow or to steeplysloping fields.

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DOsApply fertilisers only when soilconditions are suitable.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers in asaccurate and uniform a manner aspossible.

Spread organic manures at least 10maway from any clean surface water orfield drain, watercourses, and at least50m from springs, wells or boreholesthat supply water for humanconsumption or use in dairies.

Apply nitrogen fertilisers only whenthere is a specific crop requirement.

Apply phosphorus fertiliser accordingto soil analysis and the needs of thecrop. Always allow for the nutrientssupplied by any organic manures.

Analyse your soil for phosphorus toensure that excess and unnecessarylevels are not building up.


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Silage effluent is produced from any forage crop which is being made, or hasbeen made, into silage. It is also defined as a mixture consisting wholly of orcontaining such effluent, rain or groundwater emanating from a silo, silageeffluent collection system or drain. Silage effluent is the most common causeof agricultural pollution in Scotland. Each year, a significant number of seriouspollution incidents occur through failure to contain or dispose of effluentsatisfactorily.


DOsComply with the Control of Pollution(Silage, Slurry and Agricultural FuelOil) (Scotland) Regulations 2001.

• Notify SEPA before bringing intouse any new, substantially enlargedor substantially reconstructed siloand silage effluent storage facility.

• Ensure the base of the silo, effluenttank and drains are impermeable.In addition, they, and any silo walls,should be resistant to attack fromsilage effluent.

• Properly maintain all parts of thesilo system such that it will meet a20 year design life.

• Ensure the minimum effluent tankcapacity requirements are provided.Consult SEPA on the size of tankrequired.

• Ensure that a design loading noticeis placed on the wall of anyconcrete silo.

Make your farm workers, and anycontractors employed by you, awareof the design loadings for walled silosprior to filling the silo.

DON’TsSite a silo or any part of the effluentcollection system within 10m of awatercourse, or surface water andfield drains.

Store baled silage within 10m of anyinland or coastal waters or remove thewrapping of any bales within 10mfrom any inland or coastal waters.

Allow silage effluent to enter awatercourse or ground water as this isan offence in terms of the Control ofPollution Act 1974 (as amended).

Allow effluent tanks to overflow, orever use a by-pass, to divert run-offfrom a silo.

Use a soakaway to dispose of silageeffluent.

Neglect maintenance and inspectionof silos as pollution does not have tooccur for a notice to be served bySEPA.

Continue to use silage-makingfacilities which present a significantpollution risk.

Make silage in free-standing fieldheap (i.e. without an impermeablebase or an effluent containmentsystem).

SECTION 6

SILOS AND SILAGE EFFLUENT

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DOsEnsure that effluent tanks, channels,silo floors, walls and wall floor jointsare inspected annually and anynecessary repairs carried out well inadvance of the start of silage making.

Try, if possible, to wilt the crop that isto be ensiled so as to reduce effluentproduction to a minimum.

Keep all effluent collection channelsand drains clear of blockages.

Check effluent tank levels on afrequent basis when effluent is beingproduced and regularly throughoutthe year, and empty as necessary.

Regularly check watercourses toensure that they are not pollutedthroughout the year. If any signs ofpollution become evident, immediateaction should be taken to stop anydischarge and SEPA should becontacted immediately.

Have a contingency plan to deal withstructural failures and effluentescapes.

Dilute silage effluent with a minimumof one-to-one (1:1) water if spreadingon grassland to avoid scorching.

Avoid rainwater entering effluentcollection systems.

Remember that silage effluent can bea valuable feedstuff or fertiliser. Thinkof it as a potential resource.

DON’TsUnderestimate the quantity ofeffluent produced from wet grasssilage.

Allow contaminated silo run-offoutwith the main silage makingseason to escape into a watercourse.Collect it – it is very polluting.

Add silage effluent to slurry inconfined spaces or in buildingsbecause this will produce lethal gasesvery quickly.

Apply silage effluent on sites wherethere is a danger of direct dischargeinto field drains (e.g. on cracked soilsor recently drained or subsoiledfields).

Apply silage effluent within 10m of awatercourse and at least 50m of adrinking water supply.

Apply silage effluent to steeplysloping fields, when the soil is wet orwaterlogged, there is a flooding riskor when heavy rainfall is forecast.

Apply more than 50m3/ha of dilutedsilage effluent to land.

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DOsSeek a permit from SEPA if you have more than 40,000 poultry, or2,000 production pigs or 750 sows at an installation.

Submit an application between1 October and 31 December 2006 if your farm exceeds the abovethresholds.

Apply for a PPC permit from SEPA if you intend to construct a newinstallation for rearing pigs or poultryand where the number of places foranimals or birds will exceed thethresholds specified in the PPCRegulations.

Consult SEPA about any proposals you have to substantially change anexisting pig or poultry installation inadvance of 1 October 2006, as thismay require you to seek a permit tooperate such an altered installationunder the PPC Regulations.

DON’TsApply for a permit if your pigs orpoultry are reared outdoors, as thistype of production is not covered bythe PPC Regulations.

Spread slurries or manures in amanner that may cause pollution of air or result in odour nuisance.

Be a ‘bad neighbour’ and spreadlivestock slurry and manures:

• close to domestic or publicbuildings;

• at weekends or public holidays;

• when the wind direction is towards public/residential areas;

• in areas designated for theirconservation value; or

• during the hours of darkness,unless unavoidable.

Burn plastics, rubber, tyres or othermaterials which will produce darksmoke.

Light fires near a public road.

Increasingly, the impact of agricultural activities on air quality is beingrecognised. It is known, for example, that agriculture is the dominant source ofammonia emissions in the UK, mainly arising from the storage and applicationof livestock manure and slurry. Agricultural activities can give off various other“greenhouse” gases such as carbon dioxide and methane which cancontribute to atmospheric problems. Complaints about agricultural odoursarise mainly from slurry or manure spreading, farm buildings and slurry ormanure stores.

A permit is required from SEPA for the operation of large pig and poultryinstallations to control the overall impact on the environment, including airemissions.


SECTION 7

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OFEMISSIONS TO AIR

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DOsConsult Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)regarding any areas designated for theirnature conservation value within 1km of any new or substantially changedinstallation that exceeds the thresholdsin the PPC Regulations.

Comply with the ‘Standard FarmingInstallation Rules’ developed by SEPA for pig and poultry installations operated under the PPC Regulations.

Follow the Muirburn Code.

Consult SEPA if in any doubt about therequirements of the PPC Regulations.

Use low-emission techniques for slurryspreading e.g. trailing-shoe, shallow(open slot) injector, deep (closed slot)injector or band spreader. When this isnot possible, use a broadcast slurryspreader that gives a low and down-ward trajectory and large droplets.

Minimise odours from livestock housingby collecting and transferring all slurryevery day to a suitable store andcleaning buildings regularly.

Cover slurry stores where practicable to reduce emissions of ammonia. This will also reduce levels of wasteproduction by excluding rainfall.

Incorporate applications of slurry andsolid manure to uncropped land as soon as practical, preferably within6 hours for slurry and 24 hours forsolid manure.

(Italics indicates mandatory if specified in a permit issued by SEPA.)

Spread slurries and manures when the wind direction is away frompublic/residential areas and areasdesignated for their nature conservation value.

Seek professional advice about how toprevent and control emissions to air if in doubt.

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Sheep dipping can play an important role in the maintenance of good animalwelfare. The chemicals used in dips are highly toxic and, if used properly, canbe very effective against parasites that colonise sheep skins and fleeces.However, if good practice is not followed, this can have devastatingconsequences for the water environment. Aquatic life in tens of kilometres ofwatercourse in Scotland has been wiped out as a result of the entry of tinyamounts of dip. Groundwater can also be put at risk if dipping-relatedactivities are not managed properly. There are a number of legislativerequirements for the handling and disposal of waste sheep dip, explainedbelow.


DOsComply with the GroundwaterRegulations 1998.

• Ensure that disposal of waste sheepdip to land is carried out inaccordance with an authorisationissued by SEPA.

Have staff properly trained in thecorrect use of dips and dippingpractice and ensure that theyunderstand the very harmful effects of sheep dip on aquatic life.

Only purchase sheep dip if you hold the required Certificate ofCompetence.

Plan all aspects of the dippingoperation in advance, identifying allpossible pollution risks and takingaction to minimise these risks as far as possible.

Ensure that a Contingency Plan isdrawn up to deal with any potentialspillage.

Ensure that proprietary kits orabsorbent materials are readilyavailable to deal with spillages.

DON’TsAllow dip to enter a watercourse. This will result in serious pollution,and may result in enforcement actionbeing taken by SEPA under theControl of Pollution Act 1974 (asamended).

Use dips that are not approved.

Delay in contacting SEPA regardingany pollution incident involving sheepdip.

Store waste sheep dip for re-use. Thisis against veterinary medicineslegislation and could result in harm toanimal health.

Be afraid to seek veterinary advice asto the most appropriate method ofectoparasite control for your flock.

Site dippers within 10m of awatercourse and certainly not within50m of water supplies.

Ignore the need to carry out regularmaintenance of sheep dippingfacilities taking account of signs ofcracking, wear, damage or corrosion.

SECTION 8

SHEEP DIP

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DOsStrictly follow manufacturersinstructions if detoxifying wastesheep dip.

Ensure that when mobile dipping iscarried out, registered mobile dippingcontractors are used.

Adopt high standards of flockmanagement that aim to minimisethe possibility of ectoparasiticinfection on your farm.

Wear appropriate Personal ProtectiveEquipment.

Allow sheep to drain in their drip penfor at least 10 minutes and preventrun off to any watercourse.

Rinse empty containers at least3 times and add washings to the dipbath.

DON’TsLeave a full dip bath uncovered orunattended.

Delay emptying the dip bath unlessweather conditions do not permitsafe disposal.

Allow the dip bath to overflow.

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DOsCheck that the pesticide is approvedfor the purpose and always follow theinstructions on the product labelbefore use.

Comply with the GroundwaterRegulations 1998 when disposing of waste pesticides and pesticidewashings. Consult SEPA if in doubt.

Ensure that all staff and contractorsinvolved with pesticides are properlytrained and where appropriate haveCertificates of Competence.

Follow the DEFRA/HSE Code ofPractice for the Safe Use of Pesticideson Farms and Holdings.

Consult SEPA if you intend to use apesticide in or near a watercourse.

Always consider alternativemanagement strategies. If in doubtabout the need to spray take advicefrom a BASIS qualified adviser.

DON’TsApply any pesticide (unless approvedfor use in or near water) within 5m of the bank of a watercourse unlessthe LERAP demonstrates this issatisfactory.

Handle pesticides without properprotective clothing.

Fill sprayers directly from burns,watercourses, ditches or a mainssupply.

Spray if too windy i.e. avoid spraydrift.

Permit spray or spray drift toendanger sensitive habitats.

Leave foil seals or caps or emptychemical containers lying around asthese will all increase the risk ofpollution of local watercourses.

Neglect routine maintenance andcalibration of spray equipment.

Pesticides play an important role in conventional agriculture and horticulturebut they have potential to pollute the environment and affect non-targetorganisms. Highly active chemicals can have a big effect in very small amountsin the wrong place. For example, pesticides can kill aquatic life. Furthermorethe careless application of pesticides can also create spray drift that may resultin damage to neighbouring crops and wildlife habitats. Additionally, there isincreasing concern over and monitoring of levels of pesticide residues found in drinking water sources which is of wider concern to public health.

Users of pesticides and their advisers must therefore ensure that pesticides are used correctly. The farming industry is a signatory to “The VoluntaryInitiative” and further information and guidance will be produced under thisprogramme to complement the advice in this booklet.


SECTION 9

PESTICIDES

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DOsCarry out a “Local Environmental RiskAssessment for Pesticides” (LERAP) for“Category B” pesticide products witha buffer zone requirement IF it isapplied by a horizontal boom orbroadcast air-assisted sprayer AND IFyou want to reduce the aquatic bufferzone.

Contact the Pesticides SafetyDirectorate for further advice on this.

Prepare a Crop ProtectionManagement Plan for your farm.Guidance will shortly be availablefrom NFU Scotland and the CropProtection Association (CPA) under“The Voluntary Initiative” on how todo so.

Prevent drips, spillages and leakswhen filling and mixing pesticides asthe active ingredient can run-off intofarm drains, surface and groundwaters causing a significant pollutionhazard.

Keep appropriate records of pesticideuse e.g. spraying, Local Environ-mental Risk Assessment Procedures(LERAPs).

Minimise the volumes of wastepesticide produced.

Have a contingency plan in case of accidental spillage. Carry out aCOSHH assessment. If in doubt seekprofessional advice.

Consider using a biobed to minimisethe risk of pollution of watercoursesfrom pesticide handling activities. A design manual for such areas isexpected to be made available in early 2003 and will be publicised bythe CPA under “The VoluntaryInitiative”.

Investigate the possibility ofmanufacturers and suppliers offering a recovery service for used containers.

DON’TsSpray crops unless the weatherconditions are right.

Spray crops without selecting thenozzle system to suit the product(s)being applied, the crop and sprayvolume. Use advice on the productlabel, Home Grown Cereals Authority(HGCA) chart, Crop ProtectionAssociation (CPA) leaflets and BritishCrop Protection Council (BCPC)Handbooks.

Store more pesticide than is requiredfor immediate use.

25

Note: - The guidance given in this section is based on the currentlegislative position. It is expected that legislation will be introducedlater in the first half of 2003 which will prohibit burial or burning onfarm in most places. If possible, the fully revised PEPFAA Code willincorporate these changes.

The disposal of animal carcasses on farm can present significant dangers. Apartfrom risking prosecution for causing water pollution, there is a serious risk ofspreading disease to stock on that holding or on neighbouring farms as well asa public health risk.

Deaths of cattle

At present, there are certain specific rules relating to cattle deaths. These areas follows:-

• ALL sudden unexplained cattle deaths must be reported immediately to thelocal veterinary inspector or local Animal Health Office. The carcasses will beroutinely tested for anthrax.

• Where deaths are explainable, ALL fallen cattle and animals slaughtered on-farm for welfare reasons over 24 months old should be reported to AHFLtd (Tel: 0800 525890) who will arrange to collect the carcasses and arrangefor testing for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

• Explainable deaths of cattle 24 months old or under are not currentlysubject to special rules, and may be dealt with as described below.

All other deaths

Currently a number of options exist for disposal of carcasses of animals that die on the farm. The Animal By-Products Order 1999 stipulates thatdisposal should be by either rendering or incineration. It is also permissible to consign carcasses to the local knackery or zoo for disposal purposes. Only in exceptional circumstances should burial or burning on-farm beconsidered. Where the options are not available then carcasses should bedisposed of on-farm in accordance with the following guidance.


SECTION 10

DISPOSAL OF ANIMALCARCASSES

26


DOsReport all sudden deaths and seekveterinary advice.

Comply with the Animal By-ProductsOrder 1999 and attempt to use anincinerator or rendering plant beforeconsidering burial on farm.

• Bury animal carcasses with at least1 metre of covering soil to preventdogs, foxes or vermin gettingaccess.

• Keep a Location Plan of all burialsand a note of type of animalburied.

• Consult SEPA for confirmation thatthe proposed site is suitable forcarcass burial.

• Choose sites where there is atleast 1 metre of subsoil at thebottom of the burial pit.

• Make sure that incineration iscarried out at the highesttemperature possible.

• Make sure that burning ofcarcasses in the open isundertaken with care and by theapproved method.

• Seek professional advice if indoubt. Advice on veterinary issuesis available from your local AnimalHealth office. SEPA will provideadvice on environmental pollutionissues.

DON’Ts• Leave carcasses unburied or open

to dog or fox access for any lengthof time.

• Add lime to a lined disposal pit.

• Dump carcasses in remote areas.

Operate an animal carcass incineratorwithout prior consultation with SEPA.

• Bury carcasses any closer than250m from any drinking watersupply; 50m from any watercourseor 10m from any field drain.

• Locate burial pits in areas prone towater logging or at risk offlooding or that are underlain bysandy or gravelly soil.

• Bury carcasses in polythene bagsor other impervious material.

• Bury carcasses on archaeologicalsites or on sites designated fortheir nature conservation interest.

27

DOsComply with the statutoryrequirements of the Control ofPollution (Silage, Slurry andAgricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland)Regulations 2001 if your farm storageof agricultural fuel oil exceeds1250 litres.

• Ensure that any new fuel oilstorage above 1250 litres capacityis surrounded by a bund capable ofcontaining 110% of the capacity ofthe tank.

• Make sure that the bund and thebase of the storage area isdesigned and constructed to beimpermeable and remain so for20 years.

• Keep every part of the tank withinthe bund.

• Ensure any outlet tap or valve canonly discharge into the bund in theevent of a loss or leakage and alsokeep this outlet shut and lockedwhen not in use.

DON’TsInstall a fuel tank without contactingSEPA as you are required to give atleast 28 days written prior notice.

Site the fuel oil storage area within10m of a drain or watercourse.

Continue to use a fuel storage tankthat poses a significant risk ofpollution as SEPA may serve a ‘notice’requiring you to carry outimprovements to bring the installationup to the standards set by the 2001Regulations.

Pour or allow fuel oil to enter awatercourse as this is an offence interms of the Control of Pollution Act1974 (as amended).

Use detergents in attempting to clearup any spillage unless the area iscontained so that material is collectedfor safe disposal.

Be afraid to seek professional adviceon clean up if there is a spillage orloss.

Agricultural fuel oil is poisonous and spillages into watercourses and onto landcan have serious implications for plant and animal life. Each year, accidentalspillages cause several pollution incidents. Oil is a highly polluting substanceand its escape has serious implications for soil and water environments.

The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland)Regulations 2001 relate solely to oil storage by agricultural businesses.Separate regulations are to be introduced to cover all other oil storagearrangements for non-farming businesses in due course.


SECTION 11

AGRICULTURAL FUEL OIL

28


DOsEnsure that all staff and contractorsworking on your farm are aware ofthe pollution dangers from fuel oilspills and how they should be dealtwith.

Ensure that a Contingency Plan isdrawn up to deal with any potentialspillage.

Ensure that proprietary kits orabsorbent materials are readilyavailable to deal with spillages.

Contact SEPA immediately in theevent of a serious loss or spillage ofoil.

DON’TsIgnore small leaks from fuel tanks.

Forget to carry out or neglect regularmaintenance of fuel storage areas aspollution does not have to occur forSEPA to serve a notice.

Overlook the need to empty the bund of accumulated,uncontaminated, rainwater.

29

Note: The guidance given in this section is based on the current legislativeposition. It is expected that new legislation will be introduced in 2003which will cover farm wastes for the first time. SEERAD or SEPA shouldbe consulted for clarification or an update of the current position.

There may be opportunities for farmers to make savings in animal feeds,sprays, fertiliser, field crops and produce in store. Waste minimisation shouldbe fundamental to decisions on farm waste management. Savings in energyand water use as well as a reduction in water pollution risks are all possible byadopting a planned system of waste minimisation and audit. A frame-work forcost-effective waste management is set out in the following order of priority:

• Avoid

• Reduce

• Re-use

• Recover


DOsConsider using the DEFRA/BOCManual “Opportunities for savingmoney by reducing waste on yourfarm” to help identify potential costand efficiency savings in minimisingwaste production.

Only burn waste oil in appliancesauthorised by SEPA for this purpose.

Reduce, re-use and recycle waste,wherever possible, by segregatingwaste such as plastic bags andwrapping materials.

Collect and store waste plasticstraight after use and contact anapproved plastic recycling scheme if the plastic is deemed no longeruseable.

Recycle waste oil, lubricants, scrapmetal and tyres.

DON’TsImport solid wastes destined forlandfill sites without proper authority.Consult SEPA about the legalrequirements.

Contaminate clean water withlivestock slurry or animal manures orfarmyard run-off.

Burn plastic, packaging, tyres, wasteoil or waste straw.

Dump old machinery, scrap metal,plastic or other rubbish on farmlandor farm tips. (Such disposals are likelyto be covered by forthcoming wastelegislation.)

Tolerate fly-tipping. Report any suchactivity to the Police, Local Authorityor SEPA.

Hesitate to get involved in any localrecycling initiatives operated byMachinery Rings or other groups.

SECTION 12

WASTE MANAGEMENT ANDMINIMISATION

30


DOsKeep farm steadings and farmlandclean and tidy and free fromunsightly litter from farming activity,especially farm plastics, containersand old machinery.

Monitor water use carefully andreduce any leakage or wastage,especially where such leakage iscontributing to levels of wasteproduction (i.e. of stored slurry).

Use an irrigation scheduling service ordirect measurements of soil status toavoid over and under application ofirrigation water.

Ask for free advice from the EnergyEfficiency Office. Call theEnvironment and Energy Helpline onFreephone 0800 585 794.

Follow the Scottish Executive “Four Point Plan”, the individualcomponents of which are specified as follows:

• produce and implement a riskassessment for manures andslurries;


• protect watercourses and carry outwater margin management;

• undertake a separate assessmentof farmyard drainage.

31

DOsComply with the Sludge (Use inAgriculture) Regulations 1989 (asamended) if sewage sludge is to beapplied to prevent contamination withPotentially Toxic Elements (PTEs).

Understand the capabilities andlimitations of the soil you aremanaging.

Inspect soils routinely for loss ofstructure, signs of damage, cappingand erosion.

Identify and protect vulnerable soilsprone to erosion and leaching.

Ensure effective use of chemical andorganic fertilisers by basing rates ofapplication on soil analysis andidentified crop needs.

Sample and analyse soil,approximately every five years, andapply lime to achieve target pH forcrop or grass growth.

DON’TsStrip or remove topsoil for sale as thisis an offence unless you haveplanning permission.

Apply inorganic fertilisers or organicmanures without taking account ofsoil nutrient status and croprequirements.

Allow soils to become contaminatedwith PTEs.

Allow land drainage systems to losetheir efficiency.

Leave soil fallow where there is a riskof flooding or soil erosion.

Traffic, cultivate or graze land whensoil moisture conditions are wetterthan field capacity (i.e. when the soilis not firm) as this will lead to wheelruts, smearing and poaching of soil.

Soil quality and husbandry is fundamental to the sustainability of agriculture,landscapes and biodiversity. Soils not only form the basis of agriculturalproduction, but also filter and buffer pollutants. Good soil management canplay a significant role in minimising diffuse pollution. Soil is a finite resourcewhich should be well managed and protected. Soil management must meetthe needs of the present without compromising the ability of futuregenerations to meet their own needs.

While economic pressures may lead to change in land use over time, it isessential to adopt practices which maintain the long-term ability of the soilto support farming and human activities. Such practices protect the soil fromlong term damage, not only from pollution but also due to degradation andloss of quality.


SECTION 13

SOIL PROTECTION ANDSUSTAINABILITY

32


DOsMaintain organic matter levels, wherethey are lower than desirable, bygrass breaks, green manures or theaddition of organic manures.

Maintain soil structure and avoidover-working and compaction.

Achieve rougher seedbeds if croppingallows, so as to reduce run-off,especially to withstand winter rainfall,and take account of the contour andslope of land in doing so.

Establish good crop cover beforewinter as this will reduce losses oftopsoil and nutrients.

Correct deep soil compaction bycarrying out subsoiling on suitablesoils with satisfactory drainage.

When irrigating, ensure waterapplication is uniform and rates arenot too high or droplets too large.This will avoid sealing the soil surfaceand minimise run-off and soil erosion.

Alleviate compaction and rutting assoon as practical, after late harvestedcrops such as maize or potatoes toreduce run-off.

Incorporate chopped straw evenly.

Leave vegetated buffer strips adjacentto watercourses, wetlands andwaterbodies to trap sediment.

Control livestock access to ditchesand watercourses so as to allownatural vegetation time to recover.

Carefully plan the movement andfeeding of livestock on your farm.The inappropriate location of tracksor ring feeders can lead to significantsoil erosion.

Divert track run-off to buffer strips orvegetated areas to remove sediment.

DON’TsPosition access points and gatewaysat the lowest point of a field toreduce the potential for channellingsurface water run-off and cut-off theroute for any eroded soil particles.

Leave the bed or banks of ditchesbare to prevent erosion and toencourage filtration.

Clear out entire lengths of ditch atone time, leave a third to a halfvegetated, where possible, to reduceerosion and help sediment to befiltered.

Cause erosion, compaction orsmearing of soil by undertakingactivities on the land when conditionsare too wet.

Site feeders adjacent to watercourses,where possible.

Carry out significant excavation worksin watercourses without consultingwith SEPA.

Erect physical barriers in watercoursesas these can cause serious erosion.

Making it work togetherw w w . s c o t l a n d . g o v . u k

ISBN 0 7559 0518 0

Further copies are available from The Stationery Office Bookshop71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AZ Tel 0870 606 55 66

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