SEPA Urges Farmers to Check Silage Storage Facilities
Issued on 4 June 1998 - Ref 21/98

With the silage making season getting into full swing, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging farmers to make sure that effluent from their silage storage facilities will not cause pollution.

Silage effluent is the most common cause of agricultural pollution in Scotland and is up to 200 times more polluting than raw domestic sewage. Tiny amounts can cause serious problems. The cold, wet weather lasting into June has resulted in lush grass providing perfect conditions for the production of high volumes of silage effluent.

'Silage effluent is highly polluting, but adopting good management practice can make a difference,' said Allan Virtue, Team leader SEPA Galashiels. "It's encouraging to note that in recent years, things have been improving. One of the main reasons has been the success of the Control of Pollution (Silage and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (Scotland) Regulations 1991. The regulations set minimum standards for installations used for the storage of such substances and their effluents. Most importantly they give SEPA the power to serve a notice requiring upgrading - pollution doesn't have to occur for action to be taken. Anyone contravening the Regulations could be liable to a fine up to £20,000 and/or imprisonment."

To minimise the pollution risks associated with silos and silage effluent, farmers must:

• Ensure that effluent tanks, channels, silo floors and walls are inspected and necessary repairs carried out well in advance of the start of silage making.
• Site silos as far away from watercourses as possible - under the Regulations, this must be at least 10 metres.
• Try, if possible, to wilt the crop to reduce effluent production.
• Keep all channels clear of blockages.
• Check effluent tanks on a regular basis throughout the year, and empty as necessary.
• Avoid rain water entering effluent channels and tanks.
• Dispose of silage effluent by diluting with water and spreading onto land - ask SEPA for advice on how this should be done.

NOTE: Silage effluent is extremely unpredictable and may bypass and leak from collection facilities despite careful attention. Early detection of leakage can avoid serious pollution - farmers are advised to check watercourses likely to be affected on a daily basis and to contact SEPA and take immediate remedial action if pollution has been caused.

SEPA has offices throughout Scotland. Farmers should contact their local office for advice.

ENDS

SEPA Press Office contacts

Press Officer: Maggie Hamilton. Tel: 01786 457724 Mobile 0370 686073
Head of Public Affairs: Monica Straughan. Tel: 01786 457723 Mobile 0421 942498

SEPA Head Office, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR
Tel: 01786 457700 Fax: 01786 448040

Contact SEPA Public Affairs at publicrelations@sepa.org.uk

© SEPA 1998