As silage pits are now almost empty it is the ideal time to examine the silage pit slabs, walls and channels to check if maintenance and repairs are needed before the silage pit is used again in 2026.
- All slabs and walls need to be structurally sound to ensure ensiling is completed in a safe environment
- Silage effluent collection channels and tank storage must be capable of storing the volume of effluent that may be generated
- The silage pit, channels and collection tanks must be leak proof and all the silage effluent must be collected and safely stored
- If the pit is not fit for purpose, cease using until all repairs are completed. Any cracks, porous patches, unsealed and eroded joints need to be repaired
- The silage pit, silage effluent collection and silage storage facilities must meet the standards required by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFM). Any repairs should be completed as per the DAFM specifications:
- S. 128 - Minimum Specification for Concrete Silage Bases
- S.128A – Minimum Specification for Re-Surfacing of Silo Floors
- S. 128 - Minimum Specification for Concrete Silage Bases
- Silage effluent is highly polluting resulting in fish kills in watercourses and rivers and can contaminate wells if not collected, stored and land-spread properly
- You are obliged to report any discharge of effluent entering waters to Limerick City and County Council on 061-556000 or email customerservices@limerick.ie.
Limerick City and County Council thanks you for your cooperation in this regard and reminds all farmers that all farming practices must be carried out as per the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2025 (as amended)
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