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The Control of Pollution (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (SSAFO)

This legislation which came into operation 21st July 2003 brings into force additional anti-pollution controls covering the design, siting, construction and repair of silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil storage facilities. The Regulations, which are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service (DOE EHS), set minimum standards for the construction and siting of new storage structures.
The Regulations will normally apply to:
  • silage stores, including baled silage, and silage effluent tanks,
  • slurry stores, including reception pits and stores for dilute effluent such as dirty yard water, and
  • agricultural fuel oil stores
constructed, substantially reconstructed or substantially enlarged after the Regulations came into force.
Existing stores, which have not been altered, are exempt from the Regulations and can continue to be used provided they are not at risk of causing a pollution problem. If, however on inspection by a representative of EHS, they are found to present such a problem, EHS may require works or precautions to be undertaken to minimise any risk of pollution. Where necessary, under the Regulations, a Notice can be served requiring works to be carried out. If the terms of a Notice are not complied with, within an agreed time-scale, the store covered by that Notice may lose its exempt status and the farmer could be liable to prosecution. Provision is made in the Regulations for appeals to the Water Appeals Commission against such a Notice should its terms be considered unreasonable.
Any farmer who has built a new store, or has substantially reconstructed or substantially enlarged an existing store, since 21 July 2003 (unless work or a contract had been undertaken before this date and work was completed before 1 December 2003), must notify the Agricultural Regulations Team, Water Management Unit, Environment and Heritage Service, at least 28 days before the structure is brought into use. Certification from an engineer and a builder that the structure has been designed and built to meet the Regulations will be required. A notification form is available from: Agricultural Regulations Team, EHS, Calvert House, 23 Castle Place, Belfast BT1 1FY, Tel. 028 9025 4925, or email ep@doeni.gov.uk.
Further information on this legislation is available on the Environment and Heritage Service website [external site] A full copy of this legislation can be obtained at Her Majesty's Stationery Office[external site].