Pig Housing Development
Slurry Stores
Many slurry stores, installed 20 – 30 years ago, are coming to the end of their reliable life. The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations 2008 require that by 1st January 2012 farms must have storage for at least six months (1 October to 1 April) pig slurry production.
Most slurry stores will require planning permission although smaller ones might be classed as permitted development, either with a notification (Class A) for above ground tanks, or possibly without a notification (Class B) for non-structural types such as small slurry bags:
In all cases, stores must be more than 400m away from the curtilage of a dwelling unless it houses people working on the farm.
Farm Waste Storage: guidelines for construction
A comprehensive guide to the design, construction and maintenance of slurry stores, silage clamps and fuel oil stores is available from the Construction Industry Research Association, Report 126. It is a valuable resource for those installing new stores and wishing to maximise the working life of existing ones. All store types are included, earth bank lagoons, concrete and steel tanks. The Document is currently being revised, version 2 will include revisions to the SAFFO Regulations expected 2014/15. Click here to download.
The Environment Agency have guidance documents on a number of topics including construction of slurry stores and operation of low rate irrigation systems on their website; www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/118798.aspx.
It is a legal requirement in England to pre notify the EA 14 days before starting work on any new slurry store, rather than before use, which was the previous situation. Pre-application forms can also be found using the above link.
Covering Slurry Stores – download BPEX’s guide to slurry store covers
Hexa-covers |
Covering a slurry store can keep rain out, and odours and ammonia in. For new stores on PPC farms, covers are mandatory. The use of covers reduces ammonia emissions during storage by up to 50% for a cover with “standard” leakage and between 85-90% for an improved cover. A number of covering techniques are available, many of which have been developed in northern Europe, where in some countries slurry stores have had to be covered since the 1980s. |
The value of slurry – download BPEX’s guide to the value of pig manure and slurry
The value of slurry as a replacement for manufactured fertiliser should not be ignored. By analysing slurry and applying it to suit crop requirements at the appropriate time of the year, you can treat slurry as an asset rather than a nuisance.
Grants and Allowances
The Catchment Sensitive Farming Capital Grants Scheme offers funding to agricultural businesses at various time of the year
For other sources of funding and support visit the RDPE Network website.
Grants and allowances change on a regular basis so it is always best to check the relevant website for the most up-to-date information.
