info@akcagric.co.uk | 01380 724 687
Preparing for an Environment Agency Visit
Preparing for an Environment Agency Visit
Post date
May 2023
Have you recently received a letter from the Environment Agency about a potential upcoming inspection?
Following the recruitment of officers across the country many farmers will have recently received a letter from the Environment Agency regarding the likelihood of upcoming farm visits and inspections.
The letters, distributed across ‘target areas’ highlight 4 focus areas that officers will focus on during any inspections:
- Slurry, Silage and Agricultural Fuel Oil storage (SSAFO regulations)
- Nutrient management planning and application records (Farming Rules for Water)
- Nitrate Vulnerable Zone records (NVZ)
- General farm recordkeeping
I have received a letter what are my next steps?
Firstly there is no need to be concerned as there are a wide array of tools, grants, support and guidance out there to help improve your farms compliance and to prepare for any Environment Agency visit.
Slurry, Silage, and Agricultural Fuel Oil storage (SSAFO regulations)
Recipients are expected to provide information of slurry storage dimensions, capacities and silage effluent tank calculations.
For the SSAFO guidance and advice on silage effluent tanks, click here
For those on slurry systems the AHDB have developed their ‘Slurry Wizard’ tool for calculating slurry storage capacities here and for those looking to create new or expand existing slurry storage information of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant can be found here (possible new round of funding in Autumn 2023)
Nutrient management planning (Farming Rules for Water)
Officers will also be looking to check nutrient plans/applications, soil test results and compliance with Farming Rules for Water, click here for details.
As well as AKC there are several other resources for support including Catchment Sensitive Farming who can advise on grants available in this area.
Nitrate Vulnerable Zone records (NVZ)
NVZ records may also be checked including risk maps, nitrogen limits and nitrogen plans, help for all of which can be provided by AKC.
General farm recordkeeping
Recipients will require a farm map, location of chemical stores and any information about Water Abstraction Licences.
If you would like any assistance with any of the above, give us a call on 01380 724687 or email us at info@akcagric.co.uk and we will be more than happy to help.
