Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
550. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is sufficient regulation for the large-scale storage of slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 govern the storage of slurry, on a holding, large scale or otherwise. The Department of Housing Planning Community and Local Government is the lead Department for these regulations otherwise known as the Nitrates Regulations.
These regulations govern the storage of slurry and manures of animal origin.
Under Article 7 (1) of these regulations, storage facilities for livestock manure and other organic fertilisers, soiled water and effluents from dungsteads, farmyard manure pits or silage pits shall be maintained free of structural defect and be maintained and managed in such manner as is necessary to prevent run-off or seepage, directly or indirectly, into groundwater or surface water, of such substances.
The said regulations stipulate that farm holdings shall provide on the holding for a minimum storage capacity for slurry (cattle) of either 16, 18, 20 or 22 weeks, depending on the location of the holding.
All storage facilities shall be of such construction and design, and shall be maintained and managed in such a manner as so as to prevent their contents gaining entry into surface water or groundwater.
It should be noted however, that the storage of slurries of non-animal origin such a sludges, municipal or otherwise, are not a matter for this Department.
