EA to pause N & P reporting requirement on permitted farms

The Environment Agency is to pause the BAT requirement to report N & P emissions from livestock manures on permitted farms.

Following a review of the reporting mechanism and supporting information available to farmers in order to meet the requirement, the agency said:

"We are working with industry trade bodies to develop supporting tools to assist farmers with the calculation of these emissions.

"Whilst this work is underway we will not be routinely requiring operators to report these emissions. We are proposing to temporarily pause this reporting requirement for a period of two years.

"Reporting may be required in a small number of catchments with specific water quality issues – affected operators will be notified directly and a reporting mechanism will be provided.

This two year temporary suspension period will also apply to dust emissions reporting for pigs whilst we work to finalise a reporting mechanism.  

"This aspect of the permit will not form part of a routine farm inspection whilst the work to develop supporting tools is underway."