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Staff from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have carried out a series of inspections at farms in the Moray and west Aberdeenshire area to help prevent pollution incidents. Officers from SEPA's Elgin base identified more than 20 farms where significant volumes of slurry were stored and a pollution incident could have a major impact on the environment.
These sites were then visited and risk-assessed, and 4 have since made necessary improvements to their facilities and procedures to reduce the risk of environmental pollution. At the other sites, officers were able to confirm that good environmental practice was already being observed.
The action plan followed two major slurry leaks in Aberdeenshire in 2001. Although these types of incidents are increasingly rare, SEPA officers checked potentially high-risk sites throughout 2002. These visits were in addition to normal pollution prevention and control work managed by the Elgin team.
David Shaw, the Environmental Protection Officer who led the action plan, said: "The area has hundreds, if not thousands, of farms. We know that the vast majority of farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously, but we still need to check major sites that may pose a significant risk. In some cases, we've been able to point to essential upgrades or changes in practice.
"The managers and owners of these sites have welcomed the help we have been able to give and have willingly made improvements. Thankfully, we haven't had to take any enforcement action against any site, although we would not hesitate to do so if it was appropriate."
The sites inspected were mainly large piggeries or dairy farms close to watercourses. However, all farms can have an environmental impact.
More advice is available from SEPA offices and from www.netregs.gov.uk, which includes information on:
- agricultural waste
- emissions to water
- disposal of animal carcasses, and
- fuel storage.
Netregs also offers advice on good environmental practice and links to business support and other useful organisations.
ENDS
Contact
Stewart Argo, public relations officer - 01224 248338, 07799 477972
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