SEPA Launches 1997 Scottish Agricultural Pollution Group Review
Issued on 7 September 1998 - Ref 31/98
The number of agricultural pollution events in Scotland appears to have stabilised following several years of significant decline, according to the newly-published Scottish Agricultural Pollution Group* 11th Annual Pollution Review.
"This gives the Group a platform upon which to plan further improvements", explained Allan Virtue, Chairman of the Group. "There’s no doubt that better management practices will reduce the pollution of rivers and burns. Many of the positive steps that farmers can take are relatively simple."
As well as looking at pollution figures, the Review also focuses in on some of the issues that have kept the Group occupied over the last few months. The application of non-agricultural wastes, such as paper waste sludges and abattoir blood wastes, has attracted a great deal of media attention recently and the Review outlines how best farmers can make use of these wastes while minimising the risks to human health and water quality. The Review also addresses the environmental and financial benefits of using fertilisers and animal manures and slurries wisely.
"There’s much to keep the Group busy over the next 12 months", said Mr Virtue. "New Regulations relating to the protection of groundwater and Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (which will affect the intensive pig and poultry sectors) will soon be introduced. For our part, the Group will be doing all we can to make sure that any new legislation delivers sustainable environmental improvements."
Copies of the Review can be obtained by contacting local offices of SEPA, SAC and SOAEFD.
* The Scottish Agricultural Pollution Group is made up of representatives from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department (SOAEFD). The Group encourages good farming practice as a means of minimising pollution of soil, air and water and acts as a forum for the exchange of a range of information related to agricultural pollution.
ENDS
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