If wishing to avail of this extension farmers need to register with DAFM in advance of spreading. The closed period is now commencing Thursday 8th October and is in effect until the 15th January.
During this time, the application of slurry poses a significant risk to water quality due to nutrient runoff.
Key Points to Note:
- Investigation of Breaches: Incidents or complaints received by LCCC regarding inappropriate slurry or soiled water spreading will be investigated. Breaches of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations 2025 will result in reporting to the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine which may result in significant fines.
- Water Management: Ensure that extraneous waters (e.g. clean water from buildings and open yards) are not directed to slurry tanks to maximize storage capacity.
- Farm Yard Manure (FYM): The spreading of FYM is prohibited from the 1st November to 15th January. FYM cannot be stored on land during these dates.
- Soiled Water: From the 1st December to 31st December 2026 the spreading of soiled water to land from milk producers is prohibited.
- Consult Your Contractor: If utilising the services of an Agricultural Contractor please consult with them to ensure they comply with these regulations. Contractors please note that you may be susceptible to prosecution under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations 2025 if you provide your services during the closed period.
- Appropriate Conditions: Slurry, FYM, and soiled water should only be spread within the designated timeframes, when ground conditions are appropriate and heavy rainfall is not expected within 48 hours.
- Buffer Zones: Slurry & Soiled water spreading distance from waters:
- 5m from open drain or stream, extended to 10m for the two weeks before & after the closed period.
- 10m from open drain or stream with steep sloped lands (10% or greater).
- 15m from a karst limestone feature.
- 20m from a lake shoreline or turlough likely to flood.
- 25m from any borehole, spring or well used for the abstraction of water for Human consumption.
- 100m of the abstraction point of water for human consumption supplying greater than 50 persons.
- 200m of the abstraction point of water for human consumption supplying greater than 500 persons.
LCCC Thanks you for your cooperation in adhering to the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations 2025 in order to protect our water quality.
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