EA issues slurry guidance for exceptional weather

The Environment Agency has published new guidance on managing slurry to help prevent agricultural pollution in exceptional weather, such as the recent drought period.

The guidance is available here

The agency said the focus of the guidance was to avoid or minimise soil damage and/or water pollution that can occur if slurry is spread in unfavourable soil and/or weather conditions. It is also important that stores do not overspill and become a point-source of water pollution.

The guidance includes a number of actions that can be taken.

"However, in some instances spreading to land may be the only available option," the agency said. "Before any spreading takes place, this needs to be discussed with the Environment Agency. If spreading to land needs to happen, and can be done without causing pollution, a flexible enforcement approach can be taken."

EA staff at the National Customer Contact Centre – 03708 506 506 –  are available to discuss individual situations and advise on what actions can be taken. Out of hours, or in an emergency, call the incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.