The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging farmers and mobile dipping contractors to take great care in the use and disposal of sheep dip, now the main dipping season is due to start. Failure to do so can have devastating effects on the aquatic environment, and result in enforcement action being taken against those causing pollution.

Sub-standard dipping facilities and poor disposal practices pose a significant environmental risk, as even tiny amounts of dip entering a burn or a river will cause great damage to aquatic life. A number of pollution incidents over the past few months have highlighted these dangers, with the watercourses affected sometimes taking a long time to fully recover.

Allan Virtue, Chairman of the Scottish Agricultural Pollution Group, and a SEPA Team Leader, explains:

"The fact that Organophosphate (OP) dips are currently withdrawn from the market will lead to an increase in the use of Synthetic Pyrethroid (SP) dips this summer. The SP dips are incredibly toxic: spilling a only few drops can wipe out river insects over several kilometres, with a knock-on effect on fish populations."

However, by following a few simple rules, on the few days each year when dipping takes place, farmers can greatly reduce the risks of pollution from sheep dip. In particular:

• Make sure that dippers are never overfilled and have adequate splash protection;
  
• Make sure dippers do not leak and do not have any drain holes or outlets;
  
• Give dipped sheep adequate time (at least 5-10 minutes) to drip in an area that drains back to the dipper;
  
• Do not site dippers within 50 metres of a well or borehole, or within 10 metres of a watercourse. Also, do not site mobile dippers close to drains or on hard standing areas at the farm which discharge to clean water drains;
  
• Empty dip baths immediately after dipping, and ensure that waste dip and containers are disposed of safely and legally.
  

Under The Groundwater Regulations 1998, it is illegal to intentionally dispose of waste sheep dip from static or mobile dippers, showers or jetters to land without an Authorisation from SEPA. Before an Authorisation can be granted, farmers must assess the suitability of each proposed disposal area by using a prior investigation flowchart. Application packs and further advice on the Regulations are available from local SEPA offices.

"The Groundwater Regulations have also given SEPA powers to take preventative action in the event of the use of dip, or the structural condition of a dipper, posing a risk to groundwater", said Mr Virtue. "We want to work with farmers, however, to ensure that every stage of the dipping process is carried out in an environmentally responsible manner. This way, we can all help to protect the quality of watercourses and drinking water supplies."



Sources of Advice

SEPA staff are available to provide practical advice on measures to prevent pollution from sheep dips. Detailed guidance on good dipping practice can also be found in The Scottish Executive Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity (PEPFAA Code). SEPA was also involved in the production of leaflet AS29r, "Sheep Dipping", along with the Health and Safety Executive, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Environment Agency. This leaflet provides comprehensive advice on how to minimise the environmental and human health risks associated with sheep dipping, while still ensuring the welfare of flocks. Copies of this leaflet can be obtained from local SEPA offices.

Sheep are dipped to control a range of ectoparasites, such as scab and blowfly. While other methods of control are available, only dipping currently offers the full range of protection.